A roundtable of representatives from communities, industry, labour, First Nations and the environmental sector has been established to discuss ways to find the right balance between economic development and environmental protection, Environment Minister Mary Polak announced.

Last June, Premier Christy Clark tasked Polak with the creation of the roundtable in her mandate letter to the minister.

The roundtable will be an opportunity for stakeholder groups to work with the B.C. government on environmental policy priorities to strike a balance between sustainable resource development and the protection of human health and the environment.

The roundtable will be chaired by Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier, while the topics for discussion will be set by the Minister of Environment in consultation with roundtable members. Meetings will be scheduled every three to four months. Summaries of discussions will be posted on the Ministry of Environment website.

Quotes:

Environment Minister Mary Polak -

“Our government believes strong economic growth is compatible with environmental sustainability, which is why the Premier wanted me to bring a variety of voices to the table. I’m confident that the Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy will help our government put in place the best policies to guide sustainable resource development in B.C.”

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier -

“As a former mayor of Dawson Creek and current MLA for Peace River South, I’ve seen first-hand that it’s possible to have sustainable development of oil and gas. I believe the roundtable is going to be a key forum for frank discussions on the priorities that are important to British Columbians.”

Irene Lanzinger, secretary-treasurer, B.C. Federation of Labour -

“The labour movement in B.C. recognizes that building the kind of province we want will require us to have a comprehensive plan that provides good, family-supporting jobs, improves the environment by reducing carbon emissions and increases equity in our society.”

Alex Ferguson, vice-president, policy and environment, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers -

“British Columbia, through the proposed West Coast LNG industry and crude oil pipelines, is a key province as Canada’s energy industry is poised to become a global supplier of responsibly produced oil and natural gas. Diversifying markets for Canada’s oil and natural gas, and the significant economic benefits that flow from it, is a matter of national importance. It is important we get this right and that our industry and regulators have the public’s confidence that we produce and transport our products safely and in an environmentally responsible manner.”

Lisa Matthaus, provincial lead, Organizing for Change -

“Organizing for Change is pleased that Minister Polak is inviting this important discussion and we are honoured to be part of it. We look forward to exploring how B.C. can shape a modern economy that doesn't jeopardize our future or that of our grandchildren, especially given the urgent context of climate change.”

Learn More:

The Ministry of Environment’s website can be found at: www.gov.bc.ca/env/

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

BACKGROUNDER

Members of the Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy

Environment

• Organizing for Change, Lisa Matthaus, provincial lead
• BC Wildlife Federation, Al Martin, director of strategic initiatives
• Nature Conservancy of Canada, Linda Hannah, B.C. regional vice-president
• World Wildlife Fund Canada, Linda Nowlan, interim regional director, British Columbia and Pacific region

Industry

• Business Council of British Columbia, Greg D’Avignon, president and CEO
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Alex Ferguson, vice-president, policy and environment
• Mining Association of British Columbia, Karina Briño, president and CEO
• BC Agriculture Council, Stan Vander Waal, vice-chair
• Council of Forest Industries, James Gorman, president and CEO
• Clean Energy BC, Paul Kariya, executive director

Communities

• Union of British Columbia Municipalities, Gary MacIsaac, executive director
• Luke Strimbold, mayor of Burns Lake

First Nations

• (To be determined)

Labour

• United Steelworkers, Frank Everitt, president
• Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, Philip Hochstein, president
• British Columbia Federation of Labour, Irene Lanzinger, secretary-treasurer

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834