Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett made a well received speech on October 6, supporting giving the Flathead Watershed Area Conservation Act a second reading. He told the Legislative Assembly that the act would preserve the environmental values in the Flathead watershed.

He said the act would enable current recreation, forestry, guide outfitting and trapping uses to continue.

He also said the act would prevent future coal projects.

“Specifically, the Flathead Watershed Area Conservation Act will prevent registration of new mineral claims and applications for coal tenures by establishing coal and mineral reserves, prohibit Crown land dispositions for mining purposes, prohibit issuance of Mines Act permits, prohibit issuance of oil and gas activities permits for oil and gas exploration and development, and prohibit the disposition of Crown reserves under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act,” he said.

For the full speech go to www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/39th4th/h11006x.htm