The Province is drafting a new wildlife act. 

Friday a media release outlined the meetings that will take place across the province including a workshop in Prince George on May 15th, 16th, and 17th. In Terrace the workshop will be held on June 24th, 25th, and 26th. In Ft. St. John June 12th, 13th, and 14th. And in Williams Lake May14th.

If you would like to attend and you’re not aboriginal, you’re not invited.

Bruce Holms, Spokesman for the Ministry said the workshops are on a government to government basis and that is the reason why the rank and file of the province who are not aboriginal are not invited. We asked are the workshops raced based. “Only first nations people who are registered to attend, or people from first nations who say they are coming are invited”, says Holms.

The general public will have their opportunity to put their thoughts forward at a later date sometime after the workshops have been held , whether those are informal meetings at which the general public can discuss the proposed act isn’t known.

Here is the letter outlining the Minister’s position on the matter as published in the ministry web site.

The Wildlife Act is the foundation for managing fish and wildlife in British Columbia.

The Government of British Columbia is drafting a new Wildlife Act for introduction to the Legislature in 2008. It is critical that the Province work with British Columbians to modernize this legislation.

This website provides information and updates on the project and includes links to key documents. All input received will be posted on the website to document and further the dialogue.

The 25 years since the last major amendments to the Act have seen the emergence of a number of new issues, including: alien and invasive species, wildlife diseases, and activities such as eco-tourism. Further, a new Act must support the New Relationship and agreements with First Nations.

The focus of this review is on the management and use of fish and wildlife populations. Separate but related work is underway regarding habitat protection and management, and species at risk. While this work is a critical component of wildlife management, it is not the focus of the review at this time, as the authority for habitat management is shared between various ministries. The regulations implementing previous amendments to the Wildlife Act regarding Species at Risk are being developed through a different process.

We invite you to work with us to develop an effective and modern Wildlife Act. Your insights and involvement are important.

Thank you.

Barry Penner

Minister of Environment

This is the outline of how the issue will be dealt with as outlined by the Ministry

2007

January – March

Finalize Discussion Paper

April – June

• * Formal consultation with stakeholders
• * Regional workshops with First Nations
• * Public input on Discussion Paper
• * Ongoing policy analysis

July – August

Finalize directions for revision of the Wildlife Act

September –

Drafting of legislation

Here is a portion of the media release sent out to the media on April 20-2007

VICTORIA - The Ministry of Environment is inviting First Nations to participate in a series of three-day workshops to discuss and make recommendations on possible revisions to the Wildlife Act and to the Ministry of Environment Draft Guidelines for Integrated Pest Management  proponents Conducting Consultation with First Nations (draft guidelines for engaging First Nations).

The first day of the workshop will focus on the Draft Guidelines, and will conclude with an informal dinner during which the Wildlife Act Review will be introduced. The second day will focus on the Wildlife Act, with further discussions following on the last day of the workshop.