Protect Clayoquot Sound

Wilderness Committee Educational Report Vol.16-No.05 - Summer 1997

Clayoquot stakeholders await response from Prime Minister Chretien to their letter

Right Honourable Jean Chretien
Prime Minister
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A OH3

Dear Prime Minister,

The long-standing controversy over land use in Clayoquot Sound, an area you have described as "a spectacular area whose natural attributes have become known across Canada and around the world", has now reached the point where a broadly supported and lasting resolution is potentially at hand. We believe that a gesture of leadership by the Government of Canada would crystallize the emerging consensus and move all the parties toward a common resolution.

Representatives of a wide spectrum of interests in Clayoquot have recently indicated their willingness to explore an application to the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program. As well, there are several new and continuing initiatives in Clayoquot Sound, which include:

  • implementing the recommendations of the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel;
  • implementing the Interim Measures Agreement between the Province of B.C. and Clayoquot Sound's First Nations, which includes the important role played by the Central Region Board, a community-based planning and decision-making body;
  • developing local economic diversification initiatives, including a transition strategy for displaced workers, a Research Centre, a special Clayoquot fund and a diversification strategy for communities directly affected by recent changes;
  • continuing the Long Beach Model Forest program;
  • conducting joint and regional Government workshops on Regional Fisheries Management; new recreational opportunities to enhance local eco-tourism;
  • proceeding with the recently agreed upon joint venture forest company between First Nations and MacMillan Bloedel;
  • developing new approaches to training and augmenting job skills among Clayoquot's aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.

    • As all of these activities demonstrate, there is a growing desire among stakeholders in Clayoquot and elsewhere to see this important area evolve into an international model for sustainability and conservation, based on innovative new approaches to community-based resource use. But further action depends on government leadership to open the way.

    We believe that the kind of transition envisioned and currently underway in Clayoquot could do much for both British Columbia and Canada at the international level. We also believe that much of the additional funding required to achieve it could come from repackaging existing federal and provincial programs. As well, the resolution should challenge non-government parties to make matching investments.

    Prime Minister, your pivotal role in sustaining the natural beauty of the Clayoquot Sound area -- by creating Pacific Rim National Park -- is remembered and respected by all parties here. Now is the time to build on that accomplishment and make Clayoquot an international symbol for success in biological conservation and sustainable development.

    We respectfully ask you to meet with us and to designate a senior federal representative to participate in the development of special program relationships and implementation of funding arrangements necessary to help Clayoquot evolve into an international model that Canadians can be proud of.

    Please be assured that such an initiative on your part will be met with a warm response from all of us, and even greater resolve on our part to achieve a cooperative and final resolution of this long running controversy. At a time when national unity is on everyone's mind, Clayoquot could also become an example to the country of how Canadians from many different affiliations and interests can come together to find a workable solution to what to date has been a very divisive issue.

    We look to you for the leadership on which events will turn.

    Yours truly,

    Bill Irving
    Mayor, Ucluelet

    Gary Swann
    Chair, Alberni-Clayoquot
    Regional District

    Lindy Coady
    Vice President
    Environmental Affairs
    Macmillan Bloedel Ltd.

    The Directors
    Friends of Clayoquot Sound

    Scott Fraser
    Mayor, Tofino

    Chief Councillor Francis Frank
    Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations

    Vicky Husband
    Conservation Chair
    Sierra Club of B.C.

    Larry Rewakowsky
    President, Local 1-85
    IWA Canada

    Nelson Keitlah
    Co-Chair
    Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council

    Bill Cafferata
    Vice President, Chief Forester
    MacMillan Bloedel Ltd.

    Karen Mahon
    Greenpeace Canada

    Adriane Carr
    Director, Western Canada
    Wilderness Committee

    Chris Hatch (for the)
    Clayoquot Rainforest Coalition

    Bill Weber
    Chair, Ucluelet Sub-Local
    IWA Canada