By Mary Polak, Minister of Environment
Modernizing
B.C.’s Water Act was a key commitment in our government’s election
platform. Premier Christy Clark has directed me to complete consultation
with British Columbians on a proposed new Water Sustainability Act with
the intention of passing new legislation in 2014. The new act will
update and replace the existing Water Act, respond to current and future
pressures on water and position B.C. as a leader in water stewardship.
We
started working on the proposed new act in 2009 and have engaged widely
with British Columbians. In the more than 2,200 written submissions,
individual citizens, First Nations organizations and stakeholder groups
shared their ideas and pride for their rivers, lakes, streams and
watersheds. Government has reviewed this input carefully and continues
to refine the legislative proposals, seeks to better understand sector
concerns and works out the details of how the new act will be
implemented.
We recognize one of the greatest weaknesses of the
existing Water Act is that groundwater - with a few exceptions - is not
currently regulated in B.C. As such, the Province does not license or
charge for withdrawing groundwater. This is why regulating groundwater
use will be a key component of the new Water Sustainability Act.
I
would also like to acknowledge that First Nations in B.C. bring a unique
perspective due to strong cultural, ecological and economic interests
in water. The B.C. government will continue to engage First Nations as
we refine and implement the proposed Water Sustainability Act. My
predecessors and I have met with members of the First Nations Leadership
Council and I plan to meet with them again later this fall.
I
continue to be impressed by the strong interest British Columbians have
taken in their water resources. What government does is only part of the
solution. All British Columbians are challenged to play their part to
protect, preserve and conserve our water. I look forward to introducing
the new Water Sustainability Act in the legislature in 2014.
For more information: Water Sustainability Act
Environnement British Columbia – 06-09-2013