Whereas municipalities and regional districts are the government nearest to people and the natural environment, and therefore share a deep concern for the welfare of the natural environment and understand that a healthy environment is inextricably linked to the health of individuals, families, future generations and communities; And whereas fostering the environmental well being of the community is a municipal purpose under section 7d of the Community Charter and regional district purpose under section 2d of the Local Government Act: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia enact a provincial environmental bill of rights that: a recognizes the right of every resident to live in a healthy environment, including the right to clean air, clean water, clean food and vibrant ecosystems; b provides for public participation in decision-making respecting the environment and access to environmental information; c provides access to justice when environmental rights are infringed; and d has whistle-blower protection.
Ministry of Environment Government is strongly committed to maintaining a healthy environment for British Columbians. As noted in the Ministry of Environment Service Plan, protecting the environment, along with sustainable economic growth, are top government priorities. The Ministrys position is that an environmental bill of rights is not needed in BC because the provinces existing and continually evolving environmental and natural resource regulatory regimes protect the public interest. The government sets and enforces requirements, prohibitions and standards designed to protect public health and safety and the environment the air, land, water and all other external conditions or influences under which humans, animals and plants live.