BC United MLA Tom Shypitka introduces wildlife management bill

Today in the legislature, Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka reintroduced his private member’s bill — the Wildlife Amendment Act (no.2) — for the third time. If passed, it would lay the groundwork for a new independent funding model for wildlife and habitat management to ensure the long-term sustainability of our wildlife populations.

“Since I first introduced this bill in June 2022, and renewed my call for it to be debated in November 2022 and again in March 2023, it has continued to gain support from numerous wildlife and habitat coalitions, conservationists and hunting groups across British Columbia,” said Shypitka. “Groups such as the Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition, Hunters for BC and many others have indicated their support for the improvement that this new funding model can provide. I sincerely hope the NDP government listens to British Columbians and makes this a priority.”

The proposed model would be eligible to receive funding and revenue from all levels of government, including municipal, provincial, federal, and First Nations. If implemented, 100 percent of contributions earned from purchasing licences, fees from hunting and other forms of stakeholder land use would be used exclusively for wildlife and habitat management.

“With new threats such as invasive species and Chronic Wasting Disease, we are dedicated to protecting local wildlife populations and restoring the diverse ecosystems for which we are known worldwide. This proposed funding model will ensure decisions on regulations are science-based and in the best interest of local wildlife and all those who depend on our province’s natural environments,” added Shypitka. “The current practices continue to put our wildlife in danger and being one of our most precious resources here in B.C., we must do everything in our power to manage their populations effectively.”