Re: Ymir watershed delegation headed to Victoria (Oct. 3)
I was disappointed to see Jason Leus misrepresent my position regarding Ymir’s watershed. The last time we spoke, just a few weeks ago, I stated that I will always be on the community’s side after I clearly explained the government process taking place and sought feedback on their working relationship with local provincial government staff. Based on my experience successfully working for this area on many issues, I advised that the community review the upcoming hydrology report and we meet again to decide next steps.
Since then, I have spoken with RDCK Director Hans Cunningham several times, Yaqan Nukiy Chief Jason Louie and other Ymir residents as we all work to protect Ymir’s water source. My constituency office has also been in regular contact with Ymir residents, including Mr. Leus, since May.
As I stated at the community meeting on May 16, I will do my very best to ensure that government works with the community so that there is good decision-making where no one in Ymir needs to put their livelihoods at risk to be heard. To date, government staff have been responsive to the community’s wishes for further study of the watershed and no logging has been done.
As I have always said, I will continue to ensure that government’s statutory decision-makers have what they need to make good decisions regarding the Ymir watershed and am honoured to represent Ymir residents as their MLA.
Michelle Mungall
MLA Nelson-Creston