Request For Proposals: Land use planning, best practices analysis
Request For Proposals: Land use planning, best practices analysis
Nov. 11, 2024
Max Winkelman
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Prince George voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
Prince George voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
Oct. 7, 2024
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – OCTOBER 7, 2024—Voters in Prince George are invited to a candidate debate on nature and climate on the evening of Oct. 9, 2024 at the Weldwood Lecture Theatre (Room 7-238) at UNBC hosted by UNBC students and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC).
“Recent polling shows the vast majority of voters support more protected areas on land and in the ocean with strong support among all major parties. It’s important for voters in Prince George to hear how their candidates intend to address their concerns about nature and climate,” says Eden Luymes, Youth Engagement Coordinator at CPAWS-BC.
The forum is non-partisan and BC NDP, BC Green Party, Conservative Party of BC and Independent candidates for the Prince George-Mackenzie, Prince George-North Cariboo and Prince George-Valemount ridings have been invited. Candidates will have a chance to share ideas and plans with the audience on key environmental issues that are front and centre in BC and their own constituencies.
For Prince George – Mackenzie, Shar McCrory, BC NDP, James Steidle, BC Green Party and Rachael Weber, Unaffiliated, have confirmed their attendance. For Prince George-North Cariboo, Coralee Oakes, Independent, and Randy Thompson, BC Green Party, have confirmed their attendance.
Youth from the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will be developing and asking specific questions of the candidates. There will be time allotted for audience Q&As towards the end of the panel.
“As youth, we will live the future that we help shape today; let us shape a future that is worth fighting for. It is easy to think there is nothing one person can do to make an impact. Never believe that your vote does not matter. We all have a voice and a vote to go along with it; your vote is significant, so become informed and make your vote count,” says Tina Watters, a local participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program who will be co-hosting the debate.
“Youth are the future. With voter rates declining, we must prioritize informed voting amongst our youth! Environmental issues are becoming more and more prominent every day. It is crucial that we as a society begin to shift to a more ecocentric view, and demand change and protection for the environment from our government leaders,” says Madi Tokarchuk, a local participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program who will be co-hosting the debate.
Doors will open at 6:15 pm, with the event starting at 6:30 pm. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat via Eventbrite, as only a limited number of seats will be held for walk-ins.
About the organizer:
CPAWS-BC is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We advocate for the protection of wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We work with Indigenous, provincial and federal governments with the goal of creating large protected and interconnected areas: places that can nurse nature through climate change and shelter plants and animals forever.
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Media Contacts:
Max Winkelman, CPAWS-BC, max@cpawsbc.org, 604-685-7445 x3
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Columbia River-Revelstoke voters invited to town hall on nature & climate
Columbia River-Revelstoke voters invited to town hall on nature & climate
Oct. 1, 2024
Date: October 7
Doors Open: 4 PM
Event Starts: 5 PM
Confirmed Candidates:
- Andrea Dunlop, BC NDP
- Scott McInnis, Conservative Party of British Columbia
- Calvin Beauchesne, BC Green Party
Location:
Golden Civic Centre
806 10th Avenue South
Golden, BC
V0A 1H0
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – October 1, 2024—Voters in the Columbia River-Revelstoke constituency are invited to a town hall that will include a focus on nature and climate on the evening of Oct. 7, 2024 at the Golden Civic Center hosted by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC), Wildsight and the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce.
“Recent polling shows the vast majority of voters support more protected areas on land and in the ocean with strong support among all major parties. It’s important for voters in Columbia River-Revelstoke to hear how their candidates intend to address their concerns about nature and climate,” says Eden Luymes, Youth Engagement Coordinator at CPAWS-BC.
The forum is non-partisan and all candidates in the riding have confirmed to attend, including Andrea Dunlop from the BC NDP, Scott McInnis from the Conservative Party of BC, and Calvin Beauchesne from the BC Green Party. Candidates will have a chance to share ideas and plans with the audience on key environmental issues that are front and centre in BC and the constituency.
Youth from the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will be developing and asking specific questions to candidates. There will be time allotted for audience Q&As towards the end of the panel.
“We need all generations in the room when discussing environmental management and policy. Today’s youth are inheriting an unbalanced planet, and it is critical for us to be included in the conversation so we can gain the current knowledge and provide the energy behind actions needed to preserve our future,” says Jessica Holden, a participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program who will be attending the town hall.
“Wildsight is grateful to be able to support this opportunity for young people and the community to hear directly from the candidates on issues that matter to us all. We know people in this region care deeply about the climate and biodiversity crises and are looking for real solutions that can give them hope for the future,” says Casey Brennan, Conservation Director with Wildsight.
Doors will open at 4 pm and the town hall starts at 5. Come early to mingle.
About the organizers:
CPAWS-BC is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We advocate for the protection of wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We work with Indigenous, provincial and federal governments with the goal of creating large protected and interconnected areas: places that can nurse nature through climate change and shelter plants and animals forever.
Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and inspire a shared desire to protect Canada’s Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions for future generations. We envision extensive and connected wild spaces for wildlife—from grizzly bears to woodpeckers to trout. We envision clean air and clear water running from mountain watersheds to our lakes. We see thriving and sustainable communities made up of engaged and educated citizens.
Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce was established in 1979. It is a membership-driven organization that works to support, grow and promote the business community of Golden, BC. Led by an Executive and Board of Directors we are diligent in representing the voice of all businesses, large or small, with the intention of strategically creating a vibrant and sustainable economic climate for our community.
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Media Contacts:
Max Winkelman, CPAWS-BC, max@cpawsbc.org, 604-685-7445 x3
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Sarah McNeil is our Acting Executive Director
Sarah McNeil is our Acting Executive Director!
Sept. 19, 2024
CPAWS-BC is delighted to announce Sarah McNeil as Acting Executive Director, effective September 09, 2024.
Sarah joined CPAWS-BC in May of 2017, and has previously held the roles of Development Manager and Operations Director within the organization. To her new role of Acting Executive Director, she brings a wealth of experience in donor relations and nonprofit management, a passion for building strong teams, and an unwavering commitment to the CPAWS-BC mission.
“It’s an honour to be stepping into the role of Executive Director right now,” Sarah says. “I’m incredibly proud of the work that the CPAWS-BC team has done over recent years to build momentum for Indigenous-led conservation, advocate for the permanent protection of lands and waters, and hold the government to account to safeguard Nature right across BC. We’ve seen important gains in a number of places, including the signing of the Trilateral Nature Agreement and the release of a Coastal Marine Strategy to protect biodiversity and the well-being of coastal communities.
“At the same time, we recognize the continued threats to lands and waters right across the province. There’s so much work to be done to ensure that Nature is protected in a way that supports habitats, wildlife, and humans now and into the future. I’m excited to be leading such a strong team at this important moment.”
Prior to joining CPAWS-BC, Sarah worked for numerous environmental nonprofits, and holds a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education. She credits her nuanced perspective on conservation to growing up in a small town in BC’s interior, where outdoor recreation, nature appreciation, and resource extraction exist side-by-side. She also has the greenest thumb on the team, and will bring tomatoes and zucchinis to meetings in August.
Sarah looks forward to sharing more about her vision for CPAWS-BC in the weeks and months to come. In the meantime, the CPAWS-BC team remains focused on their core work of advocating for Nature.
BC Needs a Biodiversity Law
Photo by Troy Moth as part of the Lichen project. Nuchatlaht territory.
BC Needs a Biodiversity Law
Sept. 18, 2024 – by Meg Bjordal, Research and Policy Coordinator
Protecting Biodiversity and Habitat for Species at Risk is the Key to our Shared Futures
BC needs a Biodiversity law, complete with protections for habitat for species-at-risk to ensure a future where wildlife and people can thrive.
British Columbia lists over 1,700 species at risk and counting, yet there is no effective provincial law to protect them or their habitat. Some of BC’s most iconic animals are on this list including southern mountain caribou, grizzly bears and southern resident killer whales. The biggest threat most endangered species face is from habitat loss and degradation.
For example, southern mountain caribou and spotted owls – two of the most threatened wildlife populations in BC, depend on old-growth forests for their homes. Old growth forests are an ecosystem that has long been identified of high conservation importance, but most of it (82%) remains unprotected and clearcutting is continuing.
Photo by Troy Moth as part of the Lichen project. Nuchatlaht territory.
Photo by Troy Moth as part of the Lichen project. Nuchatlaht territory.
Pathway to a Biodiversity Law
Out of rising concern for how old-growth forests are managed in the province, an independent review was conducted and released in 2020. The Old Growth Strategic Review put forward 14 recommendations on how to better manage forests based on wide consultation and expert opinions.
All recommendations from this report were adopted, though none have yet been fully implemented. Some of the recommendations outline conditions required for change, and include the need for legislation that establishes “conservation of ecosystem health and biodiversity of British Columbia’s forests as an overarching priority”.
Out of this recommendation came the draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework. This framework sets the stage for a needed paradigm shift that prioritizes biodiversity and the health of ecosystems above resource extraction. With continued momentum this could lead to a biodiversity law, and even include protections for species at risk and their habitat.
Protecting Biodiversity Benefits Wildlife and People
Protecting habitat for species-at-risk not only provides a future for BC’s favourite wildlife, but also for the people who live and recreate in these important places. Healthy, functioning and connected ecosystems facilitate natural processes and animal movements. Meaning that critical planet support systems like nutrient cycling can occur, and that animals can move as needed to find food, shelter and mates. This also allows for mitigation of climate change effects and better ability to adapt. Protecting and restoring habitat, especially large and interconnected landscapes, makes it possible for biodiversity to thrive and ensures functioning ecosystems.
Photo by Troy Moth as part of the Lichen project with support from Ecotrust Canada and Cascadia Seaweed. Klahoose territory.
West Vancouver – Sea to Sky voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
West Vancouver - Sea to Sky voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
September 17, 2024
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – September 17, 2024—Voters in West Vancouver – Sea to Sky are invited to a candidate debate on nature and climate on the evening of Oct. 7, 2024 at the Eagle Eye Community Theatre (Howe Sound Secondary School) hosted by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC).
“Polling reaffirms that the residents of Squamish and the Sea to Sky value strong environmental policies that will expand protected areas, address climate change and ensure sustainable management of natural resources to safeguard our shared futures,” says Tori Ball, Conservation Director at CPAWS-BC and Squamish resident.
The forum is non-partisan with candidates Jen Form from BC NDP, Jeremy Valeriote from BC Green Party and Yuri Fulmer from the Conservative Party of BC confirmed to attend. Each candidate will have the opportunity to share their views and priorities with the audience on key environmental issues that are front and centre in BC and the constituency.
Youth from the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will be developing and asking specific questions to candidates. There will be time allotted for audience Q&As towards the end of the panel.
“It is really inspiring to see youth taking an active interest in our local elections, as it is the youth that will bring the courage, innovation, leadership and drive to create the future that we envision for ourselves. A healthy and resilient environment that is protected for future generations and supports both communities and local biodiversity, is imperative to this future,” says Hailey Boehner, a participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program.
“This is an exciting opportunity for youth in our community to engage directly with candidates and ask questions,” says Ellika Cairns, a Squamish-based participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program. “I know many young people have concerns about environmental and climate policies, and how they will impact our future. Here in the Sea to Sky, we are directly impacted by rising sea levels, wildfires, flooding, severe weather events, and other effects of climate change. Strong environmental policies that aim to mitigate and adapt to these pressures are imperative to a healthy future for all of us.”
Doors will open at 6 pm and the event will begin at 6:30pm. Food from Luz Tacos will be provided following the debate. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat via Eventbrite, as only a limited number of seats will be held for walk-ins.
About the organizer:
CPAWS-BC is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We advocate for the protection of wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We work with Indigenous, provincial and federal governments with the goal of creating large protected and interconnected areas: places that can nurse nature through climate change and shelter plants and animals forever.
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Media Contacts:
Max Winkelman, CPAWS-BC, max@cpawsbc.org , 604-685-7445 x3
Join the Candidates Debate!
Join the candidates debate for West Vancouver – Sea to Sky.
Vancouver – Little Mountain voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
Vancouver - Little Mountain voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
September 17, 2024
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – September 17, 2024—Voters in Vancouver – Little Mountain constituency are invited to a candidate debate on nature and climate on the evening of Sept. 27, 2024 at the Creekside Community Recreation Centre hosted by The BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC).
“Recent polling shows the vast majority of voters support more protected areas on land and in the ocean with strong support among all major parties. It’s important for voters in Vancouver – Little Mountain to hear how their candidates intend to address their concerns about nature and climate,” says Eden Luymes, Youth Engagement Coordinator at CPAWS-BC.
The forum is non-partisan and candidates from Christine Boyle from the BC NDP and Wendy Hayko from the BC Green Party have confirmed to attend*. Candidates will have a chance to share ideas and plans with the audience on key environmental issues that are front and centre in BC and the constituency.
“During the panel, we will be looking over False Creek, an area that used to be brimming with marine life, “ Zaida Schneider, co-founder of False Creek Friends Society shared. “This is an opportunity to hear from candidates about how they will work to help nature here, and across BC, be resilient and healthy, now and for future generations.”
Youth from the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will be developing and asking specific questions to candidates. There will be time allotted for audience Q&As towards the end of the panel.
“Youth provide a unique perspective to environmental policy as their past, present, and future are so greatly shaped by the relatedness between climate change and socioeconomics,” says Ethel Wai, a participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program.
Doors will open at 6 pm, with complimentary snacks and drinks before the debate begins. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat via Eventbrite, as only a limited number of seats will be held for walk-ins.
* UPDATED ON SEPT. 24: John Coupar, who previously confirmed his attendance in this candidate debate, has now declined. The debate will go ahead with the other two candidates for this riding.
About the organizer:
CPAWS-BC is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We advocate for the protection of wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We work with Indigenous, provincial and federal governments with the goal of creating large protected and interconnected areas: places that can nurse nature through climate change and shelter plants and animals forever.
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Media Contacts:
Max Winkelman, CPAWS-BC, max@cpawsbc.org, 604-685-7445 x3
Join the Candidates Debate!
Join the candidates debate for Vancouver – Little Mountain.
Saanich North and the Islands voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
Saanich North and the Islands voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate
September 17, 2024
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – September 17, 2024—Voters in Saanich North and the Islands are invited to a candidate debate on nature and climate on the evening of Sept. 26, 2024 at the SHOAL Community Centre hosted by The BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC) and Georgia Strait Alliance.
“Recent polling shows the vast majority of voters support more protected areas on land and in the ocean with strong support among all major parties. It’s important for voters in Saanich North and the Islands to hear how their candidates intend to address their concerns about nature and climate,” says Eden Luymes, Youth Engagement Coordinator at CPAWS-BC.
The forum is non-partisan and BC NDP, BC Green Party, Conservative Party of BC and Independent candidates have been invited. Candidates will have a chance to share ideas and plans with the audience on key environmental issues that are front and centre in BC and across the constituency.
“There are lots of important environmental issues that communities need to hear candidates discuss,” said Russ Elliott, Campaigns Manager for Georgia Strait Alliance. “It’s not only about the next four years but laying a path forward for future generations. Making space for and supporting youth involvement in this process is essential.”
Youth from the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will be developing and asking specific questions to candidates. There will be space in the second half for audience Q&As.
“It’s critical that youth and young adult voices are heard in these conversations about environmental and climate policy. It’s our futures that are at stake―in this election and every election,” says Luymes.
Doors will open at 6 pm, with complimentary snacks and drinks before the debate begins. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat via Eventbrite, as only a limited number of seats will be held for walk-ins.
“CPAWS-BC is pleased to partner with Georgia Strait Alliance on this event,” says Luymes. “We have collaborated for years to ensure better protections in the Strait of Georgia and it’s crucial to have their local expertise included for this panel in the Saanich North and the Islands riding.”
About the organizers:
Georgia Strait Alliance has been the leading advocate for the protection of the Strait of Georgia for more than 30 years. Grounded in environmental justice, we mobilize and support collective action for the protection of a Salish Sea teeming with life where thriving and just communities live in balance with the environment.
CPAWS-BC is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We advocate for the protection of wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We work with Indigenous, provincial and federal governments with the goal of creating large protected and interconnected areas: places that can nurse nature through climate change and shelter plants and animals forever.
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Media Contacts:
Max Winkelman, CPAWS-BC, max@cpawsbc.org, 604-685-7445 x3
Allison Murray, Georgia Strait Alliance, allison@murraycommunications.org, 604-442-1846
Join the Candidates Debate!
Join the candidates debate for Saanich North & the Islands.
Talking to Candidates about Conservation
What should you ask Candidates ahead of the BC Election?
Sept. 12, 2024 – A question guide to the 2024 BC Provincial Election
BC’s Provincial election is this fall, and candidates who want your vote may come door knocking or host events where you have an opportunity to chat about what matters to you. Below are some questions to start a conversation about their position on nature conservation and safeguarding our futures:
The science-backed target of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 provides a pathway to tackle the biodiversity crisis and ensure a healthy future for people and nature… What immediate actions will you take to protect more land in BC and advance 30×30?
BC currently has over 1700 species at risk but no Provincial law to protect them or their habitat. The majority of BC residents (88%) support protecting habitat for species at risk… What will you and your government do to protect species at risk and their habitat?
8 in 10 BC residents are concerned about biodiversity loss, pollution, and overfishing on BC’s coasts. These threats loom as BC’s Coastal Marine Strategy awaits implementation and resourcing… How will you ensure a healthy coast for both marine life and people?
Want to save a copy? Download the PDF version!
We want to hear from you! Tell us how the conversation goes and if you or the candidates would like further information: info@cpawsbc.org
Speak up for nature & join us at a Candidates Debate near you!
Our Nature & Climate debates bring candidates in your riding together to discuss conservation, climate policy, and environmental issues. Hear what they have to say, ask candidates questions directly, and make your community’s concerns heard this election.
Speak up for nature this election & join us at a Candidate Debates near you!
Speak up for nature & join us at a Candidates Debate near you!
Sept. 9, 2024
Our Nature & Climate debates bring candidates in your riding together to discuss conservation, climate policy, and environmental issues. Hear what they have to say, ask candidates questions directly, and make your community’s concerns heard this election. This debate is co-hosted with local youth from our Young Leaders in Conservation Program (YLICP). Young people are especially encouraged to attend and participate. CPAWS-BC will be moderating the debates and asking candidates about their positions on various environmental issues, followed by an open audience Q&A.
Join us for food and refreshments when doors open, at no charge. Please come mingle and share your views with the candidates. Register now to save your seat!
Find a Candidates Debate near you!
