Whereas in July 2024, following extensive consultation with First Nations and stakeholders, the Province of British Columbia released its first ever Coastal Marine Strategy, providing a 20-year vision of a diverse, productive and resilient coastal marine environment that is valued in its own right and that supports the prosperity, health and well-being of coastal communities now and into the future; And whereas the Coastal Marine Strategy details nine important goals diverse marine life; abundant wild Pacific Salmon; a clean coast; climate-ready communities; a sustainable coastal economy; vibrant coastal communities; trusting, respectful relationships; a robust tool kit; and integrated and balanced management, but does not have the force of law, and codifying the Strategy into law would support its success and longevity rather than leaving it dependent on the priorities of the government of the day: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province of British Columbia to enshrine the BC Coastal Marine Strategy into law.
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Thank you for your resolution requesting that the Province of British Columbia enshrine the BC Coastal Marine Strategy the Strategy into law. As noted, the Strategy is the first of its kind in BC, setting out a 20-year vision for the stewardship of coastal and marine resources. The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship WLRS recognizes that achieving this vision will require strong partnerships with First Nations and coastal communities and improved coordination amongst governments as the Strategy is implemented. In early 2025, WLRS engaged with coastal First Nations to identify priority actions for near-term implementation over the next three years. Based on this recent engagement, and informed by previous input from stakeholders, local governments, and the public, WLRS is aiming to advance nine key actions from the Strategy, including modernizing policies and procedures. As part of that action, WLRS will be reviewing and assessing changes needed to existing policies and procedures, as well as considering how these may fit into a broader proposal for coastal zone legislation in the future. WLRS staff look forward to continued engagement with local governments and coastal community members on priority actions, including the potential for future coastal zone legislation, as the Strategy is implemented over time.