2025 R11 – Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy

Whereas in July 2024, following extensive consultation with First Nations and stakeholders, the Province of British Columbia released its first ever Coastal Marine Strategy, providing a 20-year vision of a “diverse, productive and resilient coastal marine environment that is valued in its own right and that supports the prosperity, health and well-being of coastal communities now and into the future”;

And whereas the Coastal Marine Strategy details nine important goals (diverse marine life; abundant wild Pacific Salmon; a clean coast; climate-ready communities; a sustainable coastal economy; vibrant coastal communities; trusting, respectful relationships; a robust tool kit; and integrated and balanced management), but does not have the force of law, and codifying the Strategy into law would support its success and longevity rather than leaving it dependent on the priorities of the government of the day:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province of British Columbia to enshrine the BC Coastal Marine Strategy into law.