After tabling a letter to the federal government March 19th asking to suspend the Caribou Range planning process pending the conclusion of the socioeconomic study, Peace River MLA Debbie Jabbour and her government continue to keep a close eye on the issue.
The provincial government is now assembling a delegation of representatives from northern Alberta to go to Ottawa to make Alberta’s case with regards to the challenges, concerns and opportunities present in the province’s range planning.
“I have offered to attend as a member of the group but I don’t know if it will work with my schedule, but I am will certainly be working closely on this issue and continuing to advocate,” said Jabbour.
The Peace River MLA said the government understands the importance of finding a solution that helps all Albertans.
“Our government is a strong advocate of having a healthy relationship between environment and industry – that was our platform – to make sure we are doing things the right way – so we are not opposed to a plan that preserves endangered species, but we don’t support something that will indiscriminately destroy people’s livelihood and industry. It doesn’t make any sense -but we do feel that you can actually have a plan that caribou can live easily alongside industry.”
While the details of the delegation are finalized, Jabbour is assuring residents – and industry – in her riding, there is no cause for concern.
“We are trying to find a good balance, we are trying to find a way to be respectful of the need to preserve the environment for future generations – but are also trying to do it to make sure industry isn’t hurt -because the livelihood of the people in the north is paramount.”
To date, the province has invested over $9 million dollars examining the issue.
-HS
