Parks Canada has released a working boundary for its proposed national park reserve. The boundaries include areas between Highway 3 and Highway 97. (Parks Canada)
An open letter to MLA Linda Larson:
Good evening, Ms. Larson:
Regarding a South Okanagan-Similkameen national park/national park reserve referendum, I feel it is critical to assign the appropriate geographical domain of same. It makes little sense to ask the citizens of Canada whether they are willing to receive something (land) for free. The citizens of Canada would be damfool if they responded with a “No.”
Rather, it makes perfect sense to ask the residents of British Columbia whether they are willing to give up the rights to B.C. Crown land. The residents of British Columbia have the most to lose.
The question IS NOT: “Are you in favour of a National Park or National Park Reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen?”
The question IS: “As a resident of British Columbia, are you in favour of perpetually surrendering the rights to and jurisdiction of land currently owned by, administered by and protected by the Province of British Columbia to the Federal Government of Canada for the formation of a national park or national park reserve?”
Any referendum based on this question is rightfully a decision of the residents of British Columbia, NOT a decision of the citizens of Canada. It is the residents of British Columbia who need to decide whether to give up land they can currently access for recreational purposes without impairment for up to 14 days free-of-charge.
Arlene Arlow, Keremeos
