From Wilderness Committee Press Release – March 14, 2011

The Wilderness Committee responded with concern to the announcement
of the initial cabinet of new BC Premier Christy Clark, who was sworn in
earlier today.

“After a BC Liberal leadership campaign where environmental issues
barely got a mention, we were looking for a signal that Clark’s
government would take environmental policy and wilderness protection
more seriously,” said Gwen Barlee, Policy Director at the Wilderness
Committee.

Of particular concern is the fact the position of Minister of State
for Climate Action has been dropped from cabinet. “This is a disturbing
signal when it comes to the BC government’s duty to meet its existing
greenhouse gas emission targets,” said Ben West, Healthy Communities
Campaigner for the Wilderness Committee.

“BC’s emission reduction targets are among the most ambitious in
North America, but Premier Clark has not suggested in any way that she
will provide an adequate plan to meet these legally binding
commitments,” added West. “Clark’s dropping of any minister responsible
for Climate Action suggests the implementation of such a plan is not a
priority, and that is irresponsible and unacceptable.”

The new BC environment minister is Kamloops MLA Terry Lake, who has
no previous cabinet experience. Earlier this year, the Wilderness
Committee released its “Top 11” priorities for 2011, which included
calling for a plan to meet emission reduction targets, implementation of
provincial endangered species legislation, a Pacific coast tanker ban,
and a restoration of funding for the Ministry of Environment. (Click herefor the full Top 11 list.)