Updates on the Proposed Land Act Ammendment
The BCSF wanted to provide a quick update regarding the Proposed Land Act Amendments that have been undergoing Public Engagement.
On February 21, 2024, Minister Cullen released a statement acknowledging the need for further engagement with the public and clarity on the proposed amendments. He decided to halt the process and defer the proposed changes. His statement reads: “I’ve also heard that we need to take the time to further engage with people and demonstrate the real benefits of shared decision-making in action. We want to get this right and move forward together. For that reason, our government has decided not to proceed with proposed amendments to the Land Act. We will continue to engage with people and businesses, and do the work to show how working together, First Nations and non-First Nations, can help bring stability and predictability, and move us all forward." You can read the full release here.
The BC Snowmobile Federation recently had the opportunity to meet with the Minister to discuss these amendments. Following our discussion, we felt reassured by the Minister's explanation of the proposed changes and the potential positive outcomes it could provide for large scale projects in BC. He seems earnest in his commitment to transparency, collaboration and listening to the public. We requested that all the commitments he made during our meeting be shared openly through the Engage BC website, and we received assurance from Minister Cullen that this would indeed occur. Additionally, the Minister offered to meet directly with our members, a discussion we were in the process of arranging when the decision to postpone was announced.
We appreciate that the Minister has halted the process to ensure adequate time for proper public engagement with the required documentation for people to make informed, constructive responses to the Engagement. It is my belief that these amendments will eventually move forward, especially given the unanimous support for the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act of BC (DRIPA) in 2019. Subsequently, the DRIPA Action Plan outlines various changes that will accompany the passing of DRIPA, including the updating of all other Acts in BC to facilitate Joint Decision-making Agreements, as outlined in Action 2.4 of the plan.
The BCSF remains committed to monitoring these changes closely and educating ourselves on how our clubs can contribute positively. We aim to ensure that our members are well-informed and able to provide thoughtful responses on potential impacts to recreational access during any future Public Engagements.
Further discussions on this matter will take place at the upcoming BCSF AGM weekend in Valemount on April 5-7th, 2024.
