In response to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, three beetle action coalitions have been formed: Cariboo-Chilcotin, Omineca, and Southern Interior. The beetle action coalitions are made up of local government regional district representatives--typically mayors from the municipalities within the beetle-impacted zone, or elected area directors--and first nations leaders from tribal councils or aboriginal language groups.
The partnerships the beetle action coalitions represent are truly unique in that they represent large regions of the province and provide a forum for dialogue on sustainability issues that affect first nations and non-first nations alike. This is the only forum of this nature in B.C. where our neighbouring governments are working side by side to develop solutions and on-the-ground actions to address the challenges we face.
Pages 12 and 13 provide examples of projects that we would be delighted to answer questions on.
Over the past several years, each of the three beetle action coalitions has developed an in-depth understanding of the mountain pine beetle epidemic and the unique impact it has in their respective regions. We, the BACs, are best positioned to continue to implement on-the-ground projects and solutions to bring our communities through this transition period. As well, the BACs have wide regional representation of local government and first nations communities that can advocate for implementation, develop and implement actions and projects, and monitor the impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. The BACs need to ensure that the right information and actions are developed and the right issues are on the table.
The Government of Canada committed to provided funding of $1 billion, and to date has provided $200 million, in 2006. We understand that the remainder of the commitment had to be put on hold when the economic crisis hit.
Our request is that the Government of Canada provide B.C. with $100 million in pine beetle funding in 2011-12, and annually for the following seven budget years, for a total of $800 million.
We'd like to thank you very much for your time. We have included our website for each of the three beetle action coalitions, where you can find more detail on the mountain pine beetle epidemic and our respective mitigation plans and sector strategies.
We would be happy to answer your questions. Thank you.