Mandate Letter from the Premier outlines scope of work ahead for only cabinet Minister from Northwest BC

Premier David Eby created his cabinet and Executive Council this week, the BC NDP government expanding a bit more with the new Premier in place.  

Wednesday's announcement ceremony sending some ministers on to new adventures, among them Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen.

Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen the new Minister for Water, Land
and Resources Stewardship with Lt. Governor Janet Austion
at his oath taking ceremony on Wednesday
(photo from BC Gov't)

Mr. Cullen was shuffled from the Municipal Affairs post to the position of Minister of Water. Land and Resources Stewardship (Fisheries).  

Following his appointment, the Stikine MLA paid his thanks to the Municipal officials he had worked with while taking to his new post with some anticipation.

As part of the Wednesday cabinet decision making, comes mandate letters for those who have accepted the Premier's invitation to join the congregation, for Mr. Cullen  the work ahead which has a focus on environmental protection  is that which he has had a passion for in the past.

Among some of the tasks that Mr. Eby has laid out for the Minister include:

Protecting wild salmon, and supporting fish and seafood innovation projects, including doubling funding for the Pacific Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund

Amending the Wildlife Act to support the integration of Indigenous Knowledge in the stewardship of our ecosystems

Funding coastal cleanup, clearing 4000 km of B.C.’s coastline of debris and pollution under the Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative – totalling over 1000 tonnes of debris cleared, including 86 derelict vessels, 65% of which was recycled or upcycled – and creating close to 1300 well-paying jobs.  

Working with the Ministry of Forests to begin implementation of the recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review

Lead cross-government work to improve timing and transparency of permitting processes to support sustainable economic development, housing and infrastructure while maintaining high levels of environmental protection

Continue to transform the management and stewardship of our waters, lands and resources, together with First Nations, and work toward modern land use plans and permitting processes rooted in science and Indigenous knowledge that consider new and cumulative impacts to the land base

Lead B.C.’s work on water, watersheds, and our coast, including work to: o Co-develop, complete, and launch the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund and the Coastal Marine Strategy, and continue implementation of the Wild Salmon Strategy; and to Develop and deliver a long-term vision for the Clean Coast, Clean Waters program

Protect wildlife and species at risk, and work collaboratively with First Nations, other ministries, and the federal government to protect and enhance B.C.’s biodiversity through implementing recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review, and the Together for Wildlife Strategy

With support from the Ministers of Forests and Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, develop a new conservation financing mechanism to support protection of biodiverse areas

Partnering with the federal government, industry, and communities, and working with Indigenous Peoples, lead the work to achieve the Nature Agreement’s goals of 30% protection of BC’s land base by 2030, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas

Together with First Nations, complete work to improve the protection and stewardship of forest resources, habitats, biodiversity and cultural heritage in the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement.

The full mandate letter can be reviewed here.

More notes on the work of our Northwest MLA's can be reviewed here.

Some background on Mr. Eby's cabinet decisions can be explored through the Victoria Viewpoints feature of our political blog D'Arcy McGee.