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QUEEN CHARLOTTE – The
Province is providing $590,000 to the Council of the Haida Nation to support
implementation of a Strategic Land-Use Agreement, Forests and Range Minister
Pat Bell announced today on behalf of Agriculture and Lands Minister Ron
Cantelon.
“This
funding will go directly to supporting staff requirements for the Council of
the Haida Nation to continue working on this vital agreement as we enter the
final stages,” said Bell. “Strategic land use planning promotes a sustainable
island economy while protecting important ecological, cultural and spiritual
areas, benefiting all British Columbians.”
“B.C. is becoming a globally recognized leader in collaborative land
use planning,” said Cantelon. “A big part of that recognition is owed to First
Nation partners like the Council of the Haida Nation. We share an enduring
commitment toward a New Relationship built on strong government-to-government
relations.”
The
Strategic Land-Use Agreement was announced by the Province and the Council of
the Haida Nation on December 12, 2007. The agreement was developed in parallel
to an Economic Development Accord, which established the Misty Isles Economic
Development Society with a $500,000 grant from the Province in 2008. These
agreements allow for economic development opportunities in balance with strong
environmental management for the Haida Gwaii region. The new funding will allow
detailed strategic planning to
continue on through 2009.
“We share a vision with the Province for a
prosperous future for the Haida Gwaii that protects the values of our people,”
said Guujaaw, President of the Haida Nation. “This funding will help realize
years of community-based collaboration toward this common vision.”
Nearly half of the Haida Gwaii land base
has been protected through existing federal and provincial legislation. Haida
Gwaii is made up of over 200 islands totalling approximately 1,000,000
hectares. For more information on the agreement, please visit: http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca/slrp/lrmp/nanaimo/qci
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Media Relations Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 250 387-1693 250 208-3254 (cell) |
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