David Eby

The B.C. government is seeking to harness the financial clout of non-profit conservation groups to protect endangered ecosystems. Premier David Eby announced his plans to fast-track his government’s progress on protecting old growth, including $25-million to help First Nations participate… and $90-million added to the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund. …The new money pales in comparison with the potential for philanthropic conservation. Even without the province as a partner, non-profits have slipped past the province’s slow decision-making process. …Earlier this year, however, the province announced a major new conservation area secured through financing by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in Incomappleux Valley. …Inspired by that model which secured Indigenous consent and financing from corporate, private and federal government sources, the province is now promising to establish a conservation financing mechanism within six months that it expects will tap into “hundreds of millions of dollars of philanthropic donations to fund conservation measures.” …“This is significant – Eby is paving the path for a major transformation in conservation,” said Ken Wu of the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance. [to access the full story, a Globe and Mail subscription may be required]