Policy
Cuts to Ministry of Environment undermining environmental enforcement
The announcement, in BC Budget 2010/11, of $69 million for justice and policing operations ignores the virtual collapse of the enforcement of BC's environmental laws, according to West Coast Environmental Law. The group asserts that past and new cuts to the Ministry of the Environment play a key role in an ongoing drop in enforcement of laws protecting BC's air, water and wildlife, and called for increased funding for environmental law enforcement.
B.C. pollution tests kept under wraps
Extreme levels of a toxic chemical were found in air samples from a Prince George, B.C., neighbourhood more than 18 months ago, but the community still has not been told of the danger, CBC News has learned.Tests performed in the Millar Addition neighbourhood showed formaldehyde levels more than 18 times the acceptable level.
The Environment Ministry gathered the air samples in Prince George in July and August 2008 after years of complaints from residents about bad smells.
West Coast Environmental Law Comments on Metro Vancouver 2040 Shaping Our Future
West Coast provided comments on Metro Vancouver’s latest draft of a new Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), entitled Metro Vancouver 2040: Shaping Our Future ( November 2009 draft). While West Coast supports the direction and goals of the new draft RGS and the range of strategies proposed, we have concerns that many of the actions and processes stipulated as the means to accomplish those goals reflect a lack of commitment to concerted, firm action by member municipalities.
A New Climate for Conservation - Nature, Carbon and Climate Change in British Columbia - Full Report
This report reviews the scientific and technical literature on climate change and biodiversity in British Columbia. It examines the scientific rationale behind the need for conserving natural ecosystems as a critical component of a climate action plan in four key areas: sequestering carbon, avoiding emissions, managing resilience and maximizing stocks and flows of ecosystem services.
New West school district says goodbye to bottled water
The New Westminster Board of Education has voted unanimously to end the use of bottled water in school facilities and promote public water through educational material.
The motion, brought forward by trustee Lori Watt, directs staff to stop providing bottled water at events hosted by School District 40, phase out contracts for bottled water companies, and report on the status of water fountains in school buildings.
Harold Steves decries potential loss of farmland with South Fraser Perimeter Road project
Veteran Richmond city councillor and long-time farmer Harold Steves believes the B.C. Liberal government's proposed South Fraser Perimeter Road is a "crime against humanity".
Steves, a former Richmond MLA and cofounder of the Agricultural Land Reserve, was addressing a January 16 town hall meeting organized by the South Fraser Action Network, an umbrella group incorporating opponents of both the road and the Gateway Program, of which the road is a part.
School districts warn of teacher layoffs and school closures
The Vancouver school district issued layoff warnings Tuesday to hundreds of teachers, while Prince George trustees began a difficult discussion about the possible closure of 13 elementary, middle and secondary schools.Around the province, school officials say they will enter 2010-11 budget deliberations with trepidation because small increases in provincial education grants are expected to be insufficient to cover the rising cost of teacher salaries, pensions, medical service premiums, BC Hydro and carbon neutrality.
Budget miscalculation puts strain on schools
As public enrolment exceeds province's estimate, ministry uses up reserve funds to compensate – giving schools less to work with
Higher-than-expected enrolment in B.C. public schools this year has blown a $32-million hole in the province's education resources.
Woodworking unions and environmentalists propose bold new plan to protect forests and jobs while fighting climate change
Province urged to restrict pesticides; Poll shows 76 per cent support ban on cosmetic pesticides
British Columbians are being asked for their input on whether the provincial government should ban the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes.
But a spokeswoman for the Canadian Cancer Society of British Columbia and Yukon said there is enough research on the topic for the government to move forward now and adopt a strong cosmetic-pesticide ban.
Barbara Kaminsky noted the society recently commissioned an Ipsos Reid poll that showed 76 per cent of British Columbians favour this type of legislation.
