COURTENAY, BC — In response to the growing impacts of climate change, the BC Greens are making a commitment to protect one of BC’s most vital resources – water.
Water is not just an environmental issue, it’s an economic, social, and health issue. It will define the next decades in British Columbia. The BC Greens are announcing a $100 million investment to create Water Stewardship Councils in every community across the province.
“My political journey started with water, and it remains at the heart of everything I do,” said BC Greens Leader Sonia Furstenau. “Climate change is putting immense pressure on BC’s water systems, causing shortages that affect everything from food production to housing. Farmers and businesses are already feeling the strain, and our current water management systems just aren’t equipped to handle these growing challenges.”
What the BC Greens will do:
- Establish local Water Stewardship Councils to empower communities to take control of their water management. These councils will bring together First Nations, farmers, local governments, industry, and environmental groups to collaboratively manage water resources. The councils will be given the authority to ensure fair and sustainable use of local water supplies, preventing conflicts and promoting long-term water security.
“As an organic farmer and someone who’s spent my life advocating for food security, I know firsthand that water is the foundation of everything we do,” said Arzeena Hamir, BC Green Party Candidate for Courtenay-Comox.
“Without reliable and sustainable water sources, our farms can’t grow the food that feeds our communities. Climate change is making it harder for farmers across BC to access the water we need to keep our crops and animals thriving and our families fed. That’s why this commitment to watershed security is so important, it empowers local communities to protect the water we all depend on, ensuring we can continue to grow healthy, local food for generations to come.”
“With climate change already driving droughts and water shortages in BC, we’re at a tipping point. Right now, water conflicts are still a low-level crisis, but we need to get ahead of this before it escalates into full-blown ‘water wars,’” continued Furstenau.
“We’ve seen what happens when water rights are sold off, like in Alberta, and we can’t let that happen here. By putting strong systems in place now, like local water stewardship councils, we can manage water fairly, protect our communities, and prevent future conflicts over this vital resource.”
Quotes:
Naomi Robert, Senior Research and Extension Associate, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Co-chair Comox Valley Food Policy Council
“In the context of our changing climate, thoughtful, preventative, and equitable water policy is absolutely critical for ensuring the wellbeing of all communities in BC. Water is at the center of community health, economic wellbeing and ecological integrity. It’s all the same issue and water is at the nexus.”
Maurita Prato, Executive Director, LUSH Valley Food Action Society and Co-chair Comox Valley Food Policy Council
“In conversations about food security, food systems and Indigenous food sovereignty water always comes up as a main issue and concern. Our food systems community knows the water crisis first hand and is calling on governments to take action to ensure that watersheds stay intact and water is stewarded to support a resilient local food system, natural ecosystems and our community now and into the future.”
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Media contact:
newsroom@greenparty.bc.ca
Phone: +1 250-418-5528
