The provincial government has appointed MLA Sheila Malcolmson as Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, with a particular focus on abandoned vessels and marine-sourced debris. MLA Malcolmson is seeking feedback from local governments on potential solutions and challenges related to abandoned vessels and marine-sourced debris.
Marine debris is a cross-jurisdictional challenge that has had a significant impact on local governments. This summer, the new Parliamentary Secretary for Environment will visit local governments to hear their proposed solutions, which include: vessel licensing, end-of-life recycling, old boat turn-in programs, and better regulation of debris from docks and aquaculture.
MLA Malcolmson is seeking feedback from all local governments on potential solutions and challenges related to abandoned vessels and marine-sourced debris. Specifically, the Parliamentary Secretary is interested in exploring alternatives to landfilling old boats, and learning about examples of what is currently working at the local level.
The feedback received will be used to inform the Parliamentary Secretary's report and recommendations to the Honourable George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. The report is expected by the end of 2019, and will also include past resolutions and policy of the Union of BC Municipalities.