WHEREAS there is now ample data to show that coastal communities are suffering economic stress; AND WHEREAS some of this can be attributed to declines in some resources, there is still a substantial amount of wealth being generated from resources adjacent to coastal communities, but communities are no longer sharing in most of that wealth; AND WHEREAS provincial and federal policies and decisions are favoring economic models that largely ignore socioeconomic impacts on coastal communities; AND WHEREAS it is within the mandates of both governments to have community benefits as a central objective, yet that objective is absent from most decisions, knowing they would have adverse impacts on coastal communities; AND WHEREAS innovative mechanisms are needed to ensure coastal community access and benefits over time: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that both the federal and provincial governments recognize that the health and wealth of coastal communities is a central objective in their mandate, and that they explicitly address the costs and benefits of different options on coastal communities, and choose options that address the potential costs and secure long term benefits; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that both the federal and provincial governments include coastal communities in policy decisions that may impact coastal communities, and meaningfully address our concerns and interests; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities meet with federal and provincial elected representatives and civil servants from various departments to discuss strategies and policy approaches that will explicitly address the loss of access and benefits within communities.
FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA Liberal Government Resolution B37 suggests a meeting among representatives of the UBCM and the federal and provincial governments to address concerns related to coastal community benefits. The health and wealth of coastal communities are important to the federal government. Consequently, Fisheries and Oceans would be pleased to participate in such a meeting with the UBCM, federal and provincial governments. I note that you have sent a similar request to the Minister of Natural Resources. Please contact my Scheduling Assistant at 604-666-6979 to request participation in such a meeting. In addition, Fisheries and Oceans encourages communities to participate in public dialogue sessions such as those held in the fall of 2005. The views of coastal communities were evident on many policy initiatives during these sessions. The Department is also developing local area based co-management processes, such as the West Coast Vancouver Island Aquatic Management Board, to provide input into specific initiatives. Departmental staff have met and will continue to meet with coastal communities and interested local governments on such matters, and incorporate their views, as well as the views of other Canadians, into final policy decisions.