Protecting the environment, and sustainability, is more than simply siding with foreign funded so-called environmental protection groups

The Vancouver Sun had a story on the weekend’s anniversary celebrations for the NDP … and the plan’s Adrian Dix has to win the next election.   That aside, one of the things that stood out for me was the following comment he made:

“The differences on key issues of sustainability between ourselves and the [B.C.] Liberal Party and the [B.C.] Conservative Party have never been greater and the public perception that we’re different has never been less,” he told the convention.

“We have to change that by campaigning around issues of the environment and putting them in the context of jobs.”

Historic Wallachin Bridge over
the South Thompson River

Well there is more – MUCH MORE in fact -- to protecting the environment and to sustainability.  And what it does not mean is mean simply siding with foreign funded so-called environmental protection groups … funded by the likes of the Getty’s and Rockefellers. 

And as far as BC Conservative Party policy on the environment AND jobs; it just happens to actually be, in all probability, the most balanced of all parties in the province.

I’m a BC Conservative ... I believe in the protection of the environment that I live in … and why wouldn’t I?? 

I want it for selfish reasons of my own!  Those being my own enjoyment … that of my children … and my grand-children as well!

For the benefit of Adrian Dix and the NDP, and anyone else who may wish to know, here in fact are the things that BC Conservatives believe in:

… protection and management of our environment and natural resources too optimize benefits now and in the future

… acknowledging the prosperity of many BC communities, and the  provincial economy as a whole, is dependent upon the responsible utilization of our abundant natural resources.

… balancing responsible environmental and taxation policies to encourage  those activities best able to thrive and prosper in the diverse regions of our  Province.

… imposing strict regulation of toxic effluents produced by industry.

Wild Lady-slipper in the Okanagan Valley

… recognizing the value of parks to society and protect these areas from intrusive activities while improving access for all British Columbians

… conserving British Columbia’s environment through the monitoring of impacts and enforcing environmental regulations while balancing economic  development opportunities

… in all ways carry out responsible, fact-based stewardship of the  environment. The government will base its decisions on the best available scientific data

To single out one party, as the environmental protection stewards of the province, is to ignore the fact that all of us wish to maintain the beauty that is British Columbia … not just for ourselves and our families … but for the millions of people who vacation here every year as well.

BC Conservatives believe that the natural resources are owned by all British Columbians, and are managed on our behalf by the government. 

Natural resources are MORE THAN simply minerals and forests …

The natural resources of our province also include the marine wildlife and beauty of the Discovery Passage and the Gulf Islands Islands … the spectacular waterfalls of Wells Gray Park … the towering mountains and glacial lakes of the Rockies … the vast wilderness and unlimited adventure to be found in northern BC … The natural resources of our province also include the Cariboo Chilcotin with its rich historical past and gold rush communities  … the incredible raw beauty of the Haida Gwaii and BC’s remarkable coastal parks … and coastal BC stretching from the oceans to the mountains.

The NDP does not hold the lock on sustainability and the environment … any more than John Cummins and the BC Conservatives do.  The BC Conservatives however; do have what I believe is a more balanced approach when it comes to environmental concerns, sustainability, and job creation.

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … with the thoughts on one conservative.