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Federal approval of burnco gravel mine threatens wild salmon habitat

May 15, 2018
Eoin Finn

Last Friday, the Federal Government rubber stamped the Burnco gravel mine, providing the next level of approval for the project, even though the government has acknowledged that the environmental assessment process is broken, and that science that is provided by the proponent cannot be trusted to be unbiased.

The government failed to adequately consult with the public, and has turned a deaf ear to nearly 4,000 letters that you have written to Provincial and Federal representatives asking them to review the environmental assessment for Burnco.

Burnco still needs several other permits and approvals before it can proceed, and we need to keep the pressure up. Fisheries and Oceans Canada can still stop the Burnco gravel mine, which it has done twice before. BUT, only if the Fisheries Act is restored first!

TAKE ACTION!

Please take two minutes to call MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, and let her know how disappointed you are that the Federal government approved the Burnco gravel mine (and ignored nearly 4,000 letters of opposition). Ask her to request that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Dominic LeBlanc, withholds any further approvals for the Burnco gravel mine until the Fisheries Act has been restored.

Call MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones: (604) 913-2660

TIPS TO MAKE A PHONE CALL

1. Make a plan to call during business hours. All you need is 2 minutes.
2. Prepare what you want to say.We’ve shared some example talking points below.
3. Ask the staff person to write down your name and number. Ask for a call back.
4. Be polite and respectful.

EXAMPLE TALKING POINTS

• Explain that you are disappointed that the Burnco gravel mine has been approved by the Federal government.
• Ask for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to withhold any further approvals for the Burnco gravel mine until the Fisheries Act has been restored.
• Share why you care about wild salmon, our resident orcas, and/or Howe Sound.
• Ask Pamela Goldsmith-Jones to stand up for Howe Sound and help stop the Burnco gravel mine.

KEY FACTS

• Estuaries are vital for our wild salmon, and the endangered Southern Resident Orcas that depend on them.
• The Burnco gravel mine threatens one of only three estuaries we have in Howe Sound.
• It makes no sense that the Federal government is spending millions of dollars to help restore the Squamish estuary, while allowing a destructive gravel mine right next to McNab Creek estuary.
• Given the proximity of alternative, undeveloped gravel resources, why should this gravel mine be permitted in such a vitally important and sensitive ecosystem? There are other, less sensitive places where we can mine gravel.
• The Burnco gravel mine has been turned down twice before, due to concerns about impacts to wild salmon and wild salmon habitat.
• Wild salmon are a vital part of our west coast culture. But we can't protect wild salmon if we don't protect wild salmon habitat.

Help us stop the Burnco gravel mine, for good. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter of My Sea to Sky so we can continue this critical campaign to stop the Burnco gravel mine and protect McNab Creek.

Eoin Finn

Director of Research, My Sea to Sky

My Sea to Sky is incredibly proud and grateful to say that we rely on the My Sea to Sky community for small donations that provide the majority of our funding. Since our launch in 2014, we have been funded through personal savings, family and friends; and powered by the passion of our volunteers. Your generous contribution will help us to run our critical campaigns to protect Howe Sound. Every dollar helps.