News Release, August 19, 2009
Victoria - Reacting to an appeal court decision to uphold a Supreme Court ruling on CRD bylaws in the unincorporated areas of the CRD, Juan de Fuca MLA John Horgan said it is "time for the provincial government to start talking about solutions to the problems unleashed by the removal of lands from Tree Farm licenses on Vancouver Island."
"The government has been silent on this issue for too long," said Horgan. "It's time we heard what they plan to do to mitigate the damage of their ill advised forest policies on land use planning on Southern Vancouver Island."
Over two and a half years ago, without any public consultation, the Campbell government approved a request by Western Forest Products to remove more than 12,000 hectares of private land from tree-farm licences in and around Jordan River, including prime waterfront locations. At the time, many were opposed to this decision and questioned the process the government used in reaching this result. "Even the Auditor General, an independent officer of the Legislature, voiced concern over the lack of regard for the public interest shown by the government," said Horgan.
The Capital Regional District is currently developing a community plan for this area. "Citizen involvement is a crucial next step in this process," said Horgan. "We need to attempt to find common ground among the various interests involved. To find a meaningful solution to the problems created by the provincial government, my community needs tangible evidence that the burden will not all be borne by local residents. To date I haven't seen the government stepping up and trying to offer any assistance at all."
"I urge the BC Liberals to finally show some fortitude and leadership on the land removal. If the Premier wants to restore even modest public faith in the decision making process he must agree to help land owners, local governments and area communites manage the development pressures his government created." Horgan said. "Government accountability should be the first order of business, not the last. Admit there is a problem and work with people to find a solution. How tough is that?" Horgan concluded
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