Nov 7, 2024

To:    Honourable David Eby

CC:  Doug White, Shannon Salter

RE: Immediate Actions to Protect Endangered Fish & Wildlife Habitat

Dear Premier Eby,

Congratulations on your re-election as Premier. As you work on forming government over the coming weeks, we wanted to connect with you and your team regarding our shared priorities for fish, wildlife and habitat stewardship in British Columbia.

British Columbia is home to magnificent natural wonders, from ancient forests to pocket. deserts. These ecosystems promote a thriving tourism industry and the quality of life that living near nature affords. Unfortunately, these places and the species found there continue to decline due to human pressures, such as unsustainable development, resource extraction, and inadequate protection.

A federal report released on May 21, 2024, lists a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem collapse as the second most “plausible” disruption to the functioning of our society. We must take the biodiversity crisis seriously and take immediate action that hits the ground where it matters most. BC is home to over 1,900 species and ecosystems at risk of extinction. 

Taking action to protect wildlife and habitat helps species at risk, contributes to a climate-safe future, supports thriving communities, and advances reconciliation. The Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition has a broad base of supporters and expertise. We are ready and excited about supporting the BC government to deliver on these important commitments.

As experts in and advocates for fish, wildlife and habitat stewardship in BC, we recommend the following actions be prioritized in the next BC government mandate: 

• Develop and enact a Biodiversity Law, based on the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework, that will deliver positive outcomes for fish, wildlife and habitat across BC.
  • Immediate action to demonstrate this commitment: Include biodiversity as a priority in all mandate letters to begin implementation of a ‘whole of government’ approach, and begin the set up of an Office and Chief Officer of Biodiversity. 

• Protect 30×30: Protect intact, threatened, and important places as funded and promised in the Tripartite Nature Agreement to increase the amount of protected land in B.C. from 15.9% to 30% by 2030.
  • Immediate action to demonstrate this commitment:  Launch inclusive land-use planning to advance new protected areas in partnership with First Nations that includes meaningful public engagement and stakeholder consultation. Ensure that British Columbians are included in the development of additional protected areas.

• Funding for fish and wildlife: Dedicate sufficient funding for fish, wildlife and habitat conservation in BC with an annual budget of $200M for fish and wildlife conservation as recommended by the Minister’s Advisory Wildlife Council.
  • Immediate action to demonstrate this commitment: Dedicate all funds from hunting, trapping, guide outfitting fees, tags, fines, and court awards to wildlife and habitat conservation and restoration.

• Fully and immediately implement the Together for Wildlife Strategy which was released in August of 2020, after nearly two years of comprehensive engagement with First Nations, stakeholders and the public. Only a few actions have been completed or partially completed on schedule, based on the timelines set out in the strategy. It is imperative to get Together for Wildlife on track by the end of 2025.
  • Immediate action to demonstrate this commitment: Legislate changes to the Wildlife Act that include the ability to set legal objectives for wildlife and wildlife habitat. Establish clear and measurable objectives for wildlife stewardship that take into consideration the interactions among species and their habitats. Mandate environment and land use ministries to cooperate in the completion of changes to the Wildlife Act before the end of 2025.

The Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition is composed of 29 BC-based organizations, representing over 273,000 members and 900 businesses. We represent a diverse array of interests that all share common concerns about the decline of fish, wildlife, and habitat including conservation organizations, hunting and angling guides, wildlife viewing, ecotourism, naturalists, hunters, anglers, and trappers. Together, the group advocates for healthy landscapes and waters, and investment in and improved stewardship of fish and wildlife in partnership with First Nations and communities. 

We look forward to working with you and urge your government to make a strong start by taking immediate action to address the rapid and ongoing decline of fish, wildlife and habitat.

Sent on behalf of the Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Coalition

Contacts:

Jesse Zeman, B.C. Wildlife Federation

Scott Ellis, Guide Outfitters Association of BC

Katherine MacRae, Commercial Bear Viewing Association 

Tim Burkhart, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Fish, Wildlife & Habitat Coalition Members