Province of British Columbia and First Nations partners seek feedback on new watershed initiative

The Province and the First Nations Water Table will work together on a new 
Wastesrhed Security Strategy, with the opportunity for public comment now open
(Photo from Gov't of BC)

The Province of British Columbia and its partners with the First Nations Water Table introduced a new Watershed Security Strategy and Fund on Monday, the project one which will see the province invest 100 million dollars into Wastershed initiative.

Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen, who is the Minster of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship was the provincial lead on the announcement, noting of the vital importance of the watersheds for the province.

“B.C.’s watersheds are the lifeblood of this province, and for too long, not enough has been done to protect them,” said. This $100-million investment and our ongoing work with First Nations on co-developing a watershed security strategy will inspire philanthropists and other partners to help grow the fund and ensure we have healthy ecosystems and communities today and for our children’s children.” -- Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

The nature of the partnership on the initiative was also noted by First Nation leaders, with 

Hugh Braker, K.C., a First Nations Summit political executive, and B.C.-First Nations Water Table delegate, observing of how it ensures a meaningful place at the table for First Nations.

“As watersheds in B.C. come under increasing pressures due to climate change, collaboration with First Nations is essential. A commitment to co-develop the watershed security strategy and fund ensures First Nations in B.C. have a meaningful place at the table and exemplifies efforts to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.”

Along with the announcement was an opportunity for public comment to the plans with the launch of engagement on a new co-developed watershed security strategy intentions paper to help ensure safe, clean water is available to communities throughout B.C. for generation.

The Province is committed to protecting water and watersheds. British Columbians are invited to have their say during the public engagement period on the strategies in the intentions paper.

Towards that public engagement, you can learn more about the Watershed Security initiative here, as well as how you can participate in this  opportunity for comment.

Some further background towards the work ahead is available here.

The current engagement period started yesterday and will continue through to April 17th.

Where the government is at on the timeline for the program can be reviewed below:

More on Monday's announcement is available here.

A wider overview of work of Northwest MLA's in the Legislature can be explored from our archive pages.