VICTORIA, B.C. - Sonia Furstenau, Deputy Leader of the B.C. Green Party, says that the concerns expressed by the people livng in Howe Sound regarding a proposed quarry near a salmon spawning estuary underscore the need to restore trust in the environmental assessment (EA) process through a revitalization. A revitalization of the EA is part of the B.C. Greens’ Confidence and Supply Agreement with the B.C. NDP. Furstenau has received over 2,600 letters as part of the campaign to request to initiate a review of the environmental assessment process for the Burnco gravel mine thus far and to conduct a robust and fully independent baseline assessment of wild salmon populations in McNab Creek.

“The level of outcry in Howe Sound demonstrates that there is still very little trust in the way this province conducts its environmental assessments,” said Furstenau.

“Wild salmon are an iconic BC species and irreplaceable resource. Their population declines are alarming. It is entirely reasonable that the people of Squamish should expect a baseline assessment of the wild salmon population in McNab Creek.

“Conducting proper independent assessments with robust data and evidence ensures that projects gain the trust of communities from the get-go. This creates greater certainty for businesses so that they are not held up in costly and time-consuming litigation. I look forward to the results of the review of the environmental assessment processes and to addressing its shortcomings so that we can rebuild communities’ trust in their government to put their interests first.”

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