November 20, 2012
VICTORIA – The decision to appoint an unelected council to
oversee an unpopulated resort municipality at Jumbo Glacier is just the latest
step by the Liberal government to force the resort onto Kootenay residents, say
the New Democrats.
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett announced the new council Tuesday, marking the latest step in the actions of the government that are both profoundly undemocratic and disrespectful to the Ktunaxa Nation, the Union of B.C. Municipalities and to local residents, who have all spoken out against the development.
“I’ve not spoken to anyone outside the B.C. Liberal party who thinks that this legislation makes sense,” said Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald. “To create a town where there are no residents, to appoint a council that may never face election, and do this with no real possibility that a resort will be built is ridiculous. But a small group of Jumbo supporters are getting their way on this one: transferring control of public lands into private hands.”
Minister Bennett announced a three-member, unelected council and a chief administrator. He also announced $200,000 in government funding.
“Every public opinion survey and public consultation process has shown strong opposition to this proposal, and Minister Bennett seems to be one of the few Kootenay residents in favour,” said Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall. “People in the Kootenays have long been in favour of sustainable resource development, and the fact that they are so strongly against this project should speak volumes.
“The Liberal government refuses to listen. They are completely out of touch with the needs and wishes of residents of the Kootenays.”
Macdonald said the timing of the announcement is also suspect. Even as the Ktunaxa are continuing to fight the resort in court, the Liberals are trying to ram the development through by early 2013. Late last spring, as part of their final crush of bills, the Liberals gave themselves the power to arbitrarily create a mountain resort municipality without residents.
“It’s a shocking mismanagement of the powers that have been vested in this government, and is indicative of just how far this government has strayed,” said Macdonald. “There is no one that can say this move today is in the public interest.”
Adrian Dix and B.C.’s New Democrats believe in land use decisions that reflect the interests of local residents, that respect First Nations rights and are in keeping with sound environmental practices.
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett announced the new council Tuesday, marking the latest step in the actions of the government that are both profoundly undemocratic and disrespectful to the Ktunaxa Nation, the Union of B.C. Municipalities and to local residents, who have all spoken out against the development.
“I’ve not spoken to anyone outside the B.C. Liberal party who thinks that this legislation makes sense,” said Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald. “To create a town where there are no residents, to appoint a council that may never face election, and do this with no real possibility that a resort will be built is ridiculous. But a small group of Jumbo supporters are getting their way on this one: transferring control of public lands into private hands.”
Minister Bennett announced a three-member, unelected council and a chief administrator. He also announced $200,000 in government funding.
“Every public opinion survey and public consultation process has shown strong opposition to this proposal, and Minister Bennett seems to be one of the few Kootenay residents in favour,” said Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall. “People in the Kootenays have long been in favour of sustainable resource development, and the fact that they are so strongly against this project should speak volumes.
“The Liberal government refuses to listen. They are completely out of touch with the needs and wishes of residents of the Kootenays.”
Macdonald said the timing of the announcement is also suspect. Even as the Ktunaxa are continuing to fight the resort in court, the Liberals are trying to ram the development through by early 2013. Late last spring, as part of their final crush of bills, the Liberals gave themselves the power to arbitrarily create a mountain resort municipality without residents.
“It’s a shocking mismanagement of the powers that have been vested in this government, and is indicative of just how far this government has strayed,” said Macdonald. “There is no one that can say this move today is in the public interest.”
Adrian Dix and B.C.’s New Democrats believe in land use decisions that reflect the interests of local residents, that respect First Nations rights and are in keeping with sound environmental practices.
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