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Murray Langdon’s Comment on Species-at-risk legislation

For whatever reason, the provincial government has shied away from this issue, claiming there is adequate protection in existing legislation - this even though there's a shockingly low number of conservation officers and park rangers.

The argument for is relatively clear; to add some protection for species that are currently facing troubles with their population numbers and/or their habitat. The argument against isn't so clear.

I'll make an assessment, based on some of the criticism I've heard on this subject, that enacting to much protection could dampen business opportunities. Now I might believe that if this same government hadn't make such a massive deal about the Great Bear Rainforest or the Flathead Valley where there are living examples where the government felt it appropriate to step in.

I'm not truly sure what's holding this government back, especially for a decade now. It seems that in 10 years, some element of the argument for this kind of legislation must have reached its members of sunk in. Surely they must see some sort of merit.

If we are to be the province we genuinely claim to be, one that focuses not just on employment numbers or GDP, it's time to take a serious look at this issue. It's not only good for us, but the near 2000 species that might now be around a decade from now.

See original editorial published in C-FAX