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BC Land Act Amendments

Minister Cullen Commended for Decision to Pause Land Act Amendments and Address Stakeholder Concerns, Advancing Reconciliation Efforts

Victoria – February 22, 2024 – The Adventure Tourism Coalition extends its appreciation to Minister Cullen for his recent decision to pause the Land Act amendments and prioritize the concerns raised by stakeholders within the adventure tourism sector.

In a move that demonstrates a genuine commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and ensuring inclusive decision-making processes, Minister Cullen has taken the proactive step of halting the progression of the Land Act amendments. This decision comes after a series of discussions with representatives from the adventure tourism industry, during which stakeholders voiced their concerns regarding the proposed changes. By acknowledging the need for further reflection and engagement with affected parties, Minister Cullen has shown exemplary leadership and a dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard.

As a united group invested in reconciliation and the prosperity and sustainability of the adventure tourism industry, the Adventure Tourism Coalition believes that Minister Cullen’s decision to pause the Land Act amendments is a significant step towards achieving mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders involved. For Land Act amendments to be successful, regulations must first be established.

“We commend Minister Cullen’s willingness to listen to operators and applaud the decision to pause and reflect. We need to ensure we are doing what is best to move forward harmoniously on our reconciliation journey. ” Katherine MacRae is the executive director of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association and co-chair of the Adventure Tourism Coalition.

“Thank you, Minister Cullen,” stated Scott Ellis, CEO of the Guide Outfitters of British Columbia and co-chair of the Adventure Tourism Coalition.  “We appreciate that you have chosen not to rush this legislation and for taking the time to get it right.”

For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Katherine MacRae – [email protected]
Scott Ellis – [email protected]

About the Adventure Tourism Coalition

The Adventure Tourism Coalition (ATC) is comprised of 18 different sector associations. It aims to encourage, enable, and manage the sustainable growth of adventure tourism in British Columbia by improving collaboration and alignment across the adventure tourism industry, governmental organizations, and recreational users.
Learn more about the Adventure Tourism Coalition.

The ATC acknowledges that our sector association members operate on ancestral and unceded territories of many different First Nations in British Columbia.  

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BC – Coastal Clean-up

B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost

Thanks to all involved in this daunting and very worthwhile project and special thanks to Adventure Tourism Coalition members who were principles that initiated and continue to push this clean-up process. Also, thanks to the BC Gov’t, particularly Minister Heyman of the MECCS for stepping up financially and in other ways, good stuff.

From the BC Gov’t news release, “The Province is helping protect and restore B.C.’s marine environment with further investment in the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund.

Projects funded through this program have removed derelict vessels and cleaned up marine debris from more than 4,600 kilometres of shoreline while creating more than 1,700 well-paying jobs.

I am honoured to stand with First Nations and partner organizations who are taking a leadership role in cleaning up marine debris and plastic pollution. The Clean Coast, Clean Waters projects have and continue to help protect and restore the health of our marine ecosystems. All British Columbians deserve access to a healthy environment,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “As part of our government’s broader CleanBC Plastics Action Plan to reduce plastic waste and pollution, these projects are protecting our coastlines for the benefit of our communities now and for the future.  

An additional $25 million in one-time funding will more than double the B.C. government’s investment in the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund, for a total of approximately $50 million. The Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative will receive $4 million, bringing its total funding to $7.5 million since 2020. The remaining $21 million will be awarded to successful funding applicants through a merit-based assessment process, administered by PwC Canada.”

For the full news release, visit BC’s Coastal Clean-Up.