An Historic Agreement for the Great Bear Rainforest

Media Statement: February 1st, 2016
Andrew Weaver Comments on the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement
For Immediate Release

Victoria B.C. – Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party and MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head.

“I am thrilled that after 20 years of negotiation and compromise that we finally have an agreement that can provide a pathway forward for our province on balancing the development of  local economies with the necessary protection of our ecosystem. This has to start with acknowledging the rights of First Nations communities.”

“I hope the newly founded Reconciliation Protocols and Strategic Engagement Agreements will result in more efficient and respectful negotiation processes going forward. The government has made it clear that they think this is a world class model for environmental and economic protection, if that is the case I hope to see it implemented province-wide.

I am optimistic about today’s Great Bear Rainforest Agreement and commend the incredible dedication and perseverance of everyone involved in the lengthy negotiation process. I look forward to talking to the government about their supporting legislation in the upcoming Spring session and learning more about how they plan to implement this landmark agreement.”

Media Contact

Mat Wright
Press Secretary – Andrew Weaver MLA
Cell: 250 216 3382
Mat.wright@leg.bc.ca
Twitter: @MatVic