MLA Linda Larson has disbanded the focus group looking into feedback on the proposed national park. Here, hunters and ranchers oppose the park concept. Photo by Steve Arstad
MLA Linda Larson has just disbanded the “focus group” looking into feedback on the proposed national park reserve.
She confirmed the news in the following email:
“The need to protect and preserve the beautiful natural landscapes of the South Okanagan is not in question. We live in an area that is rich in natural beauty that contains sensitive ecosystems that cannot be lost.
On that, we all agree. Unfortunately, the question of how to protect our environment has created divisions.
As the MLA for the region, I have always wanted to bring people together to discuss how we move forward and ensure those divisions are bridged. The Environment Ministry has just concluded a consultation process on the proposed park that is now being reviewed by staff and, ultimately, the minister. That is how it should be.
But as the local representative I wanted to find a way to ensure the voices of those who live and work here, who will be most impacted, had an opportunity to be heard. As an MLA, that is my job and one that I strive to do every day.
Since announcing the creation of a five-person focus group to seek that input, it has become clear the idea has become a distraction from the thoughtful and needed debate that must occur. Therefore, I am announcing that the work of the focus group will not proceed and will be disbanded immediately.”
Larson’s creation of the focus group came under fire recently because she would not publicly name the members. The MLA said she didn’t want them being harassed. It was learned (in an exclusive article by Richard McGuire) that two of the members are opposed to the national park concept, while two others are neutral. The identity of the fifth member was unknown.
