Monday, May 8 morning, Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain and Parliamentary Secretary for Watershed Restoration. introduced a motion in the Legislature on Watershed Security which was followed by a debate roughly 25 minutes long.
This in itself is fantastic news – but even better is that the ongoing work of PWPA got a mention in the Legislature.
One particular statement of note was at 11.46am, MLA Janet Routledge (Former Chair of the Budget Select Standing Committee) she admits to knowing NOTHING about watershed sensitivity two years ago and NOW reflects on the importance of organizations raising concerns and the need to advance watershed security for several years in a row through the Budget consultation process. She highlights PWPA and several other organizations and the key themes raised during those presentations. (Use the slider in the video to go to 1:50:58 to jump to Janet Routledge’s comments, link below)
Watch/listen to the video of the motion ion the Leg, HERE.
Debate Starts at 11:25am with FIN DONNELLY COQUITLAM-BURKE MOUNTAIN Parliamentary Secretary for Watershed Restoration, an ends about 11:55 for lunch! (Use the slider in the video to go to 1:50:58 to jump to Janet Routledge’s comments, link below)
In addition to Fin Donnelly, presentations in favour of the motion were made by MLA Renee Merrifield- Kelowna-Mission, MLA Lorne Doerkson- Cariboo-Chilcotin, MLA Brittny Anderson, Nelson-Creston, MLA Janet Routledge-Burnaby North, MLA Ian Paton-Delta South. We need to acknowledge these supporters and ask them to continue to champion watershed security, some even went so far as to mention logging ad resource extraction as threats to water in watersheds, NOT just climate change.
It’s encouraging to see lots of support for this work and pressure from the Opposition-BC United – to see concrete and tangible results in their communities.
The PWPA has made 3 in-person and 4 written submissions to this committee, much appreciation to communications chairs, Patricia Dunn and Alex Morrison for their efforts in this over the years, advocacy and education are our mission…are they all listening?
