WHEREAS a proposed national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen would protect more species at risk, more endangered habitat types, and encompass a greater diversity of ecosystems than any national park in Canada; AND WHEREAS a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen would play an important role in British Columbias economy as a substantial and recurring source of economic stimulus particularly through tourism, a source of increased community economic development and new investment, and would provide over 500 new, permanent jobs; AND WHEREAS many governing bodies, such as five regional districts, the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and local First Nations, have passed formal resolutions asking the Province of British Columbia to return to national park discussions with the Government of Canada; AND WHEREAS the federal government has waited for the provincial government to follow the recommendation of the steering committee and take the next step toward bringing the economic benefits of the proposed national park to British Columbians: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government sign an agreement with the Government of Canada to continue to formal discussions regarding a proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park.
Ministry of Environment The Ministry of Environment does not support a national park reserve for the South Okanagan at this time. That said, there are a variety of tools to ensure the protection of significant geographic and cultural values, while also providing recreation and tourism opportunities. The Ministry understands the importance of protecting these values, while also preserving long-standing economic and culturally-significant activities such as hunting and fishing. The Ministry is always open to working with various groups in the region to discuss protection of environmentally important areas and furthering recreation and tourism objectives. The Ministry followed through on its commitment to meet with local officials and First nations on this issue in November 2014.
Minister of the Environment Environment Canada agrees that the protection of species at risk in this area is a high priority. However, the recovery of species at risk does not rely on the creation of a national park. Under the National Conservation Plan, our government has provided additional funding to support species at risk stewardship on private, agricultural and Aboriginal lands; created the National Wetlands Conservation Fund to restore and enhance degraded wetlands; and allocated 100 million to the Nature Conservancy of Canada to secure properties of high conservation value. Several excellent projects in this region have recently received funding, including the purchase of land to be added to the Nature Conservancy of Canadas Sage and Sparrow Conservation Area: www.natureconservancy.caenwhere-we-workbritish-columbiafeatured-project…