Protecting B.C.’s Waters: Seeking Urgent Support for the Invasive Mussel Program
This week, I wrote to Minister Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, to press for immediate funding and operational support to protect British Columbia’s lakes, rivers, and communities from the devastating threat of invasive zebra and quagga mussels.
As the Official Opposition Critic for Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship, I have heard repeatedly from local governments, conservation groups, and residents about the urgent need for stronger provincial action to prevent these invasive species from taking hold. Once established, zebra and quagga mussels can cause irreversible damage to our aquatic ecosystems, threaten drinking water systems, clog critical infrastructure, and cost taxpayers millions of dollars every year in maintenance and mitigation.
B.C. remains one of the last provinces in Canada that is free of these invasive mussels. But without robust early detection, stronger boat inspection stations, effective monitoring, and dedicated long-term funding, we risk losing this fight.
In my letter, I urged the Minister to commit to:
Restoring IMDP funding to at least $5.5 million to counteract the reduction in inspections over recent years.
Implementing mandatory inspections for all watercraft entering BC to close current gaps in enforcement.
Seeking federal engagement to secure additional resources for prevention, rather than just detection.
Aligning efforts with Alberta and other western provinces to create a coordinated "Western Canada Invasive Mussel-Free Zone."
Establishing stronger penalties for non-compliance to ensure effective deterrence.
British Columbians expect us to safeguard our shared waters for recreation, fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and drinking water. We cannot afford to fall behind.
I will continue to push for common-sense stewardship that protects the people, lands, and water resources that define our province.
