Thoughts on Land, Water, and Air
We depend entirely on land, water, and air for survival.
Local Decision Making
We need land and sea to produce food, clean water to quench thirst, and clean air to breathe. Our economy, and the quality of life that it supports, is based on resources provided by land and sea.
Rich and complex connections between nations, levels of government, and communities – all of which have direct stakes in the land and water on which our region depends for its survival and prosperity – demonstrate the importance in managing natural resources at the local and regional level.
Prince Rupert is located in the territory of the Ts’msyen and the region around the city neighbours the territories of the Nisga’a, Haida, Tlingit, Heiltsuk, Haisla, and Wet’suwet’en. Given this, the local government of the City of Prince Rupert should continue to work closely with Ts’msyen governments and communities, and with other First Nation governments and communities to build an economy based in respectful and sustainable use of land and sea resources.
At stake are the salmon, crabs, and other sea-life that feed local people and that sustain our local economies, the energy moving through pipelines throughout the region, the transfer of this energy in the form of liquified natural gas and other products to other parts of the world, the climate and economic impacts from trading and using these fuels, including risks associated with increased tanker traffic to move gas to other markets, and the forest products used to build communities and that provide local forestry jobs.
- Advocate for greater local control over and oversight of the region’s resources
- Continue to work with governments and communities of the Ts’msyen and other First Nations to build respectful economic relationships that help sustain the local and regional economy and that develop the region as a whole – based in respect and reciprocity
- Advocate for transparent and democratic governance and and long-term planning of resource development at the regional and provincial level, with development going back into northern and coastal communities – not just the lower mainland or Victoria
Climate Change
As we work together, one challenge we face as a community is the overall (global) impact of climate change. From increased forest fires throughout Canada to warmer rivers and declining fish stocks right here at home, we must consider how these climate changes will impact our communities.
Greenhouse gases from other parts of the world impact our climate, just as much as do the emissions contributed by us. Again, how we manage building an economy, trading with the world, and sustaining our communities will be complex process with tradeoffs. But we must manage these tradeoffs with honesty and integrity, and face the realities of climate change with open eyes so we can respond in ways that protect our communities from damage.
- Put in place climate change mitigations and prepare for the economic costs of the impacts on salmon, forests, and other resources from climate change
- Do our part as a city to reduce our carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions
Quality of Life
The land, water, and air of Prince Rupert not only sustains our economy. It also sustains us. We live in an incredibly beautiful place. Access to the beauty of where we live matters to all of us. It supports healthy living, connects us with each other, and supports tourism and other aspects of the local economy. Let’s continue to prioritize our parks, trails, bike paths, and other nature amenities. Let’s also build more year round beach access for all to enjoy.
- Continue to prioritize repairing and replacement of the city’s clean water infrastructure
- Increase investment in parks, trails, bike paths, and other outdoor recreation
- Build more year round beach access for all to enjoy
- Commit to keeping our land, water, and air clean for all generations
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
