Better consideration for Kootenay Columbians in the Columbia River Treaty negotiations headlines the three policy resolutions from the Kootenay-Columbia Liberals that made it to the National Open Policy Vote.

Better support for volunteer-based services, and better oversight of existing consumer and environmental health and safety regulations rounded the efforts by the local Liberal team.

“B.C.’s third largest agricultural valley remains underwater while Canadian Lakes are dried up so Americans can maximize power production, minimize urban flooding and irrigate an arid zone for water thirsty, high value crops,” according to Robin Goldsbury, Chair of the local Liberal Party of Canada and Liberal candidate in the last election.

The group wants the federal government to earmark Treaty funds directly to the Columbia Basin in the form of improved provincial services and infrastructure.  They are also asking the government to address the agricultural ramifications including US sale of water rights, unfulfilled promises and gaps in the original treaty, and inclusion of the Libby Dam (pictured) in negotiation.

Volunteerism, which has been is in decline since the late 1990s, makes up the second resolution.

“Rural and small communities are particularly at risk of losing many vital services that depend on volunteers due to burn out, aging out, urban migration and a smaller volunteer pool,” said Goldsbury.  They are pushing the government to implement a volunteer recognition incentive and retention policy including a Volunteer Tax Credit.

Safety for consumers and the environment are the focus of the third resolution.

“Loss of independent oversight has resulted in train derailments, oil spills, food contamination, over-fishing, wildlife and environmental catastrophes, and more,” said Goldsbury.  “We want the government to recommit dollars and people to enforce the rules.”  The resolution further promotes better tabs on government lobbying including a code of conduct, published expenditures, and tabs on lobbying interactions with politicians.

“Many are surprised to learn the federal Liberal political platform and ideology comes from these grassroots resolutions,” said Goldsbury.  “That’s why it’s so important to get involved.  We are the voice for Kootenay Columbia in the Liberal Party of Canada.”

Across Canada approximately 350 resolutions qualified.

The three local resolutions can be viewed in full at: www.KootenayColumbia.ca

Kootenay Columbia Federal Liberal Association

---

Article Share

---