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BC appoints community liaison, extends caribou engagement

B.C. Premier John Horgan announced today that the engagement period regarding the draft partnership agreements on caribou recovery in the Peace region of B.C. has been extended to May 31, 2019.

The provincial government has also appointed a community liaison, Blair Lekstrom, who will engage with residents and local leaders. Lekstrom served as MLA three times, and was a former cabinet minister, long-time municipal mayor. He is currently a councillor in Dawson Creek, B.C.

“People want to see the continued strength of our resource communities. As we meet a federal obligation to recover caribou, our government has been working to support workers and industry. Today’s announcements are part of that work,” said Premier Horgan in a government news release. “Blair Lekstrom has earned the trust and respect of residents in the Northeast. I can think of no one better to consult directly with, and fairly represent, the interests of people here.”

According to the news release, Lekstrom will consult community leaders and local stakeholders on the draft agreements, give input regarding the economic impact analysis and advise the B.C. government on how it can protect southern mountain caribou while simultaneously protecting local jobs and communities.

“People here care about the land, the caribou and each other. We can find solutions, but that requires adequate consultation,” said Lekstrom in the release. “The actions taken by the provincial government today give me hope that we can make sure everyone’s voices are heard and find solutions going forward.”