VICTORIA, B.C.: British Columbians believe in a pretty simple idea: if it’s public land, the public should have a say.
That’s backed by a new Abacus Data poll commissioned by the Public Land Use Society.
“When a vast majority of property owners, businesses and working people are demanding accountability over the fate of public land in B.C., it’s time the government listens,” said Scott McInnis, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations. “Instead, the NDP is using DRIPA to make backroom deals and hand more control over our land to a select few.”
Here are the poll’s key findings:
- 90% of British Columbians believe it is important for the source of decision-making authority over public lands to be clearly disclosed to the public;
- 86% believe major governance changes should receive public approval before taking effect;
- 77% believe all Canadians should have the same individual legal rights regardless of background instead of distinct legal rights for Indigenous groups;
- 73% believe that public lands and natural resources should be managed for the public benefit of all Canadians equally instead of prioritizing Indigenous groups;
“This poll makes one thing clear: British Columbians expect equality, democracy and accountability,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “They want the same rights under the law and reject unelected bodies making decisions about public land. The B.C. Conservatives intend to respect those wishes.”
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