Whereas there are regional and national impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic in central British Columbia; And whereas local governments in the impacted areas have collaborated to devise detailed plans and strategies that address the social and economic consequences of the epidemic; And whereas there has been much needed support from the Government of Canada in the past; And whereas continued support from senior governments is essential now that the serious economic, public safety, and social consequences are beginning to manifest; And whereas documentation from the Government of British Columbia shows that the Government of Canada made a commitment to an additional 800 million investment in mitigation; And whereas that commitment is outstanding; And whereas the wellbeing of the province and its communities is of significant importance to Canadas economic health, particularly in regard to trade in forest products with the United States, Europe and Asia: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM immediately and publicly call on the Government of Canada to fulfill its commitment to invest 800 million in targeted mitigation programs in the region during the next eight years; and urge that such investments occur in consultation with the Province, First Nations and local governments.
Minister of Natural Resources The Government of Canada shares your concern about the spread of the Mountain Pine Beetle through Canadas boreal forests, and is committed to contributing to beetle control and spread mitigation through research conducted under the National Forest Pest Strategy. We will continue to work with provinces, territories, communities and other stakeholders across Canada to invest in research and provide scientific support to combat the beetle and slow its expansion.