UBCM response to TC Resolution: New Legislation to Protect and Restore Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Health

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NR38 New Legislation to Protect and Restore Biological Islands Trust 
Diversity and Ecosystem Health 
Whereas a healthy environment is essential for the wellbeing of residents, local communities and local 
economies; 
 
And whereas the cumulative impacts of inadequate provincial environmental regulations impose costs and risks 
on local communities, including risks associated with climate change, drinking water supply, wildfire hazard, 
flooding, and security of municipal infrastructure, and may undermine local government planning: 
 
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to, in partnership with Indigenous 
leadership, develop and communicate in a timely way the process and timelines through which they will develop 
new legislation to protect and restore biological diversity and ecosystem health, in a manner consistent with the 
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and with the involvement of local governments, 
civil society groups, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, scientists, and members of the public. 
 
 
RESPONSE: Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship 
Government acknowledges the urgency to protect biodiversity, species at risk and their habitats. It’s one of the reasons the 
Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship was established. Protecting and promoting the recovery of threatened 
and endangered species continues to be a priority for our government. Supporting healthy ecosystems is imperative so our 
environment can support healthy communities and sustainable livelihoods. 
 
This Ministry is building on our progress to date to protect threatened species, enhance B.C.’s biodiversity, and establish 
consistent and effective management actions that will support ecosystem health.  
 
We are advancing implementation of the Together for Wildlife Strategy, including Goal 12, which commits to reviewing and 
improving the Wildlife Act. The first round of improvements to the Wildlife Act came into force on Sept 1, 2022. These were 
short-term reconciliation focused amendments addressing Indigenous Knowledge and the ability to enter into sheltering 
agreements. We also continue to work with First Nations and other partners on a variety of species and habitat management 
initiatives and policy projects that benefit biodiversity and species at risk management including investing $37 million for 
watershed, wetland, species and ecosystem restoration last year. 
 
Our government has also committed to implementing all 14 recommendations of the independent panel’s old growth 
strategic review report, A New Future for Old Forests. Many of the recommendations, including forestry deferrals, ecosystem 
health prioritization, and the development of a new framework for biodiversity targets, will benefit species and ecosystems at 
risk. Recommendation #2 is to “declare the conservation and management of ecosystem health and biodiversity of British 
Columbia’s forests as an

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