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Federal committee recommends Ottawa help establish billion dollar BC watershed security fund

A green valley surrounded by mountains under a pale blue sky.
The Klappan Valley is home to the headwaters of the Nass, Stikine and Skeena Rivers. A BC Wildlife Federation initiative, which aims to create a $1 billion watershed security fund for B.C. would benefit these watersheds directly with increased protections and habitat restoration. Photo: Dan Mesec
Daniel Mesec - CICK - Smithers • BC | 12-12-2023
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The Federal Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development passed a motion last week urging the Federal Liberal Government to help establish a $1 billion watershed security fund for British Columbia. 

Taylor Bachrach, MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, tabled the motion during committee meetings earlier this month to much debate.

“Our committee heard a compelling presentation from the B.C. Wildlife Federation that highlighted the collaboration that exists between groups,” said Bachrach. “A timely federal investment would build on that collaboration and allow BC to meet the challenge that climate change poses for our watersheds.”

The motion passed with amendments specifically calling on the federal government to contribute matching funds already put up by the Province of B.C., to the tune of $400 million. With $800 million from the feds provincial governments, the BC Wildlife Federation would raise the remains $200 million through private donation.

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