A crowd of around 300 gun club members and interested public attended our public meeting on local issues including threatened access related to potential transfer of land titles to First Nations as part of a compensation package for Site C. Other issues that were discussed were lack of transparency in government, land disturbances in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, and moose management. Jesse Zeman of the BC Wildlife Federation also provided a overview of fish and wildlife issues at the provincial level.
Pat Pimm, our local MLA from the North Peace was in attendance and fielded questions from the crowd and pledged that government was responding to the issues by guarantying access to the backcountry, being more transparent, and developing a provincial moose enhancement strategy. Pat indicated that he has had multiple meetings within government bringing forth our and his concerns. He also said that Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Rustad was working on a stakeholder consultation strategy that would be area based and everyone including ranchers would be involved.
Mike Bernier, Minister of Education, from Dawson Creek, Katrine Conroy, NDP MLA from Kooetany-West, and Karen Goodings and Brad Sperling from the Peace River Regional District were also in attendance.
Check back for further updates.
Related Information:
Google Map showing land earmarked by government for First Nations considerations.
Letter to Ministers Thomson and Rustad on the Peace Moberly Tract Regulation Proposal
Crown land quietly offered to First Nations in return for Site C dam site – Mark Hume Globe and Mail
Rod and Gun Club fears Site C land transfers could cut off backcountry access – Jonny Wakefield Alaska Highway News
North Peace Rod and Gun Club to hold forum on governmental hunting regulations – CJDC TV
Bennett admits ‘legitimate criticisms’ of Site C land transfers – Jonny Wakefield Alaska Highway News
Rod & Gun Club to host public forum at Pomeroy hotel – Montana Cummings Energetic City dot CA
North Peace Rod and Gun Club host public forum – Hugh Smith CJDC TV
Gerry Paille’s Presentation Slides
Jesse Zeman’s Presentation Slides
