Prince George, B.C. – If you’re concerned about the future of fish, wildlife, and habitat in this province, then you may want to attend a symposium at UNBC’s Canfor Theatre early next month.

It’s been organized by the Spruce City Wildlife Association (SCWA), and confirmed guests include BC Conservative leader Dan Brooks, NDP MLA Katrine Conroy, and Green Party Leader and MLA Andrew Weaver (MLA Mike Morris hasn’t yet confirmed his attendance).

“The purpose of it is to ask some fairly direct questions of all the attendees,” says SCWA president Jim Glaicar. “It’s important in the North that we fully understand the various political parties positions on things that are important to us.”

He says each participant will receive 10 to 15 questions in advance so one one is “blindsided” and adds there will also be an opportunity for the public to ask follow-up questions.

“We often only do these things around election times or when there’s a buzz, and so our club felt there’s kind of a lull and this is a good time to have a very polite, informed and educational discussion.”

Glaicar is hoping the guests will have something productive to say when it comes to funding.

“There’s a critical shortage of funding for fish, wildlife, and habitat in B.C. at the moment. And so there will be direct questions as to what funding model they support.”

He says he was disappointed that a recently completed sustainability report by Mike Morris failed to go anywhere.

“The response from Minister Steve Thomson was no new full-time employees and no new money.”

The forum will take place on February 6 and run from 2:00 4:00 pm. Admission is free and all members of the public are welcome to attend.