WHEREAS over the last thirty years, global trade has greatly increased between British Columbia and the rest of the world, resulting in the increased introduction of invasive species into British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the invasion of these species seriously threatens both our ecosystems and our economy; AND WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has recognized the real threats posed by the importation of alien insects, plants, seeds and animals and has responded by forming the Invasive Plant Council of BC; however, the funds required to address invasive species are insufficient to deal with the escalating problem; AND WHEREAS the costs to address this situation currently rest entirely on the British Columbia taxpayer, and the revenue produced is insufficient to meet the need and would require a substantial tax increase andor allotment share of general revenue: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to develop a new revenue source through the implementation of environmental protection fees on all incoming freight, and that those revenues be dedicated throughout the province by the Invasive Plant Council of BC and regional districts for the purpose of preventing, mitigating and eradicating invasive species; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that cargo certified as weed-free by the BC Cattlemens Association, or other recognized agency, will be exempt from the levy.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations The proposal to implement an environmental protection fee on all incoming freight and direct those revenues to address invasive species could have merit; however, further research is warranted. Some immediate areas that would have to be explored with this proposed funding mechanism would include potential trade and agreement implications, practicality of implementation, fairness and equity. Movement of freight is but one of many vectors of invasive species introduction and spread. The issue of sustainable, long-term funding for invasive species management is long-standing in British Columbia. Currently, an Invasive Species Strategy for the province is being drafted by stakeholders and land managers, including the provincial government, and facilitated by the Invasive Plant Council of BC. One component of this work will be a green paper on the levels of funding required and potential mechanisms to secure funding to adequately address invasive species in BC. The particular proposal presented by the UBCM will be tabled for consideration in the development of the green paper.