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November 15 2011 » Media Releases

2011 Municipal Election Candidate Surveys


WHO WILL PROTECT OUR WILD SALMON? YOU DECIDE

SWCC & Friends of Wild Salmon surveyed candidates from Smithers, Terrace, New Hazelton, Prince Rupert & Kitimat. Below is the list of 5 questions they were asked. The candidate responses have been pasted directly below and no corrections of spelling, context or grammar were made to ensure their answers were delivered exactly how they were received.

We have done this so you can make an informed vote this November 19th. You MUST vote, it’s the way to ensure your values are reflected in decisions that your mayor and council are making. It doesn’t matter if you don’t live in town, you can still vote for your Regional District representative.

“Where/How do I vote?”:http://www.elections.civicinfo.bc.ca/2011/

Questions:
1. What do you perceive as the single greatest human- caused threat to Skeena wild salmon?
2. If elected, what will you do to ensure sustainability of our Skeena wild salmon?
3. Do you support or oppose the Enbridge pipeline? 4. What do you think is the single greatest opportunity
for non-industrialized community economic
development?
5. Do you support protection of the Sacred Headwaters?_

SMITHERS

Taylor Bachrach
1. In terms of specific threats to salmon, I believe open-net fish farms are the most worrisome, particularly with the news that a new virus is spreading to wild salmon populations.
2. As mayor, I would speak out in defence of our wild salmon economy, including supporting our in-river commercial fishery and sport-angling sector. I will also make cumulative impacts and the health of wild salmon foremost considerations in all deliberations on resource development.
3. I do not support the Enbridge pipeline.
4. Our diverse economy is our greatest strength, and has protected us from the ups and downs that have hurt other communities. Supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community is a big opportunity, particularly in the creative and knowledge-based sectors. Tourism is also an underdeveloped sector, and deserves greater emphasis. I believe these provide good complements to our traditional resource industries, which remain essential.
5. I support a long-term solution in the Sacred Headwaters that safeguards the area from coalbed methane drilling and provides economic development opportunities for local communities.

Cress Farrow – Could not reach/Did not respond
Norm Adomeit – Could not reach/Did not respond
Mark Bandstra – Could not reach/Did not respond

Phil Brienesse
1. Currently the largest threat would be open net fish farms but looking forward the Enbridge Gateway Pipeline poses a real threat to wild salmon and the people who depend on them for food and their employment. The benefit to our area is so small and the threat to the environment and peoples financial and personal well being is so great. One study valued the fishery in the Skeena River system at 110 million dollars annually. If we value our streams, rivers and wild salmon, we cannot support Enbridge or open net fish farms
2. I will work with local groups such as FOWS, SWCC, Local Guides, Sport Fisherman, First Nations and others in as open and inclusive a consultation process as possible to work on solutions and use that information to lobby the provincial and federal governments for the changes that are needed to ensure the sustainability of our wild fish stocks and a quality experience and way of life on the river for everyone. 3. As I stated above I am opposed to the Enbridge Pipeline. In July of 2010 over 819,000 gallons of oil spilled from an Enbridge pipeline in Michigan polluting the Kalamazoo river. Over a year later there is still pockets of submerged oil in the river. This is just one of a number of recent pipeline spills. So many people depend on our river systems here. The consequences of a spill like this in our river system would be devastating.
4. We need to start looking closer to home for economic development. Small business is the backbone of so many communities but they rarely get the support they deserve. Tourism operators, fishing guides and the retail sector that serve
the fishing community our important to our local economy. Mining, Industry, and Forestry will always be important components of our communities but we cannot put all of our eggs in one basket or we will be at the mercy of rising and falling commodity prices and the boom bust cycle. We must also ensure that one development does not adversely affect another established industry.
5. The sacred headwaters is the birthplace of our local river system. As I have mentioned in previous questions the fishery aspect of the river alone is worth over 110 million dollars annually. We must be careful that development does not affect established industries and that we protect our natural environment. Ideally the wishes of the Tahltan people who live in the Sacred Headwaters would be respected. They could take a leadership role in partnership with industry to promote development that works for all involved.

Pauline Goertzen
1. The single greatest human threat to Skeena wild salmon in my opinion is climate change. With waters warming, seasons changing, water levels shifting with so many influences of warming this would threaten not only Skeena wild salmon the environment, and many other factors linked to their habitat,
2. Smithers need continue with their carbon plan as a community to lead in methods to reduce carbon emmissions, and ensure we support responsible fish management practice, explore research into methods and locations to attract and grow other forms of industry that is sensitive, safe, and enhances this resource, and finally help to create more awareness about the importance of wild salmon to the quality of life and culture of the Bulkley Valley.
3. No.
4. Single greatest opportunity for non-industrialized community economic development in my opinion is local food development and business support; for local consumption and distribution in general (perhaps even exported with specialty products) – through various value added opportunities including fruit, veggies, berries, meat and yes, fish!
5. Yes.

Bill Goodacre
1. The single greatest threat to wild salmon is fish farms and the many attendant problems, most notably diseases.
2. If elected I will ensure that the Town of Smithers is kept up to date on issues related to the rivers and fish and furtherthat the Town gets involved advocating for wild salmon.
3. I am unalterably opposed to the Enbridge pipeline.
4. I personally feel that the knowledge and cultural workers of this community will be our next economic engine.
5. UnequivocallyYES!!!!!

Scott Groves – Could not reach/Did not respond
Dan Mesec – Could not reach/Did not respond

Charles Northrup
1. Human actions are the greatest threat to all environments and we need to “do better” not less about it.
2. I believe an elected official has to concentrate on their specific authority and jurisdiction to govern while encouraging all citizens to engage at all three levels of government; municipal/regional/, provincial, and federal. I have worked hard in the municipal decision making process in favor of doing “what is right” for the communities interest in maintaining and enforcing established policy and regulation. Listening and being afforded the opportunity to hear all sides on every issue is key in the decision making responsibility; as every issue has three sides.
3. Smithers Council was the first Municipal Council to bring the three sides around the “Endbrige pipeline” together in a public forum. I believe that goal to ensure the public obtained the most information possible from all sides was the right action. Personally I feel the initial presentations we received opposing the way the “tar sands are mined” is the best approach. If we are going to continue mining our Canadian tar sands, we have to ensure they are done in a safer and improved manner. I am still undecided “if” oil is to be transported, what is the safest manner; opposed to yes or no. Is it okay in someone else’s backyard but not mine?
4. I believe Tourism with a camera and opportunity to “feel and experience” is our single greatest non-industrialized option.
5. I sat on the Real Estate Foundation selection committee for the “2011 B C Land Champion award” that choose Mark Angelo as the 2011 recipient. Mark is an internationally renowned river conservationist. I have spoken not only about protecting “sacred headwaters” but all our “taking for granted” of our most precious commodity, water, since being elected. Some day Smithers may even have water metres and filtered storm drainage. Mark Angelo received the award November 4, 2011.

Michael Sawyer
1. While I believe that global warming is the single greatest human-caused threat to Skeena wild salmon, I also believe that the ability of Skeena wild salmon to adapt to global climate change is severely exacerbated by the cumulative effects of all human activities on both the terrestrial and fresh and salt water aquatic habitats. These cumulative effects include increased linear disturbance densities throughout the watershed, changes in water quality and quantity, unsustainable recreational and commercial harvests, activities of exploitative industries such as the mining, forestry and oil and gas industries, and more recently, diseases.
2. The Smithers Town Council must speak for the interests of its citizens and while many of the forces affecting Skeena wild salmon are outside of municipal jurisdiction, this will not prevent me from seizing ever opportunity to use my position on Council to advocate for the improved management of human activities that could adversely affect wild salmon. This will involve working closely and collaboratively with citizen groups and other regional interests that are concerned about the sustainability of the Skeena wild salmon, along with other municipal, provincial, national, and international governments with interests in conserving on wild salmon.
3. I am clearing on the public record as being opposed to the proposed Enbridge pipeline project. 4. Depending on how “non-industrialized” is defined, I believe that there are many secondary and tertiary opportunities for re-processing and manufacturing of wood products (ie doors, windows, moulding, ect) for regional use and for export to domestic and international markets. Why do we continue to export raw logs to China when that wood could be used to create sustainable, high quality jobs in our communities. Once these industries are up and running I would turn my attention to attracting technology based businesses that are involve in environmentally and socially sustainable industries. 5. I believe that the Scared Headwaters must be protected if we want long term security that oil and gas industry activities will not adversely harm the regions biological, social and cultural values. In the absence of meaningful protected area status, Shell will doggedly continue with its goal to exploit the regions natural gas resources and given recent developments towards creating a major natural gas pipeline corridor in the southern Skeena watershed, I believe it is imperative that protect status be pursued without delay.

Cheryl Ann Stahel
1. Industry’s deliberate disassociation from undeniable impacts of self interested pursuits for money/control/power over the environment – no matter the cost to habitats or the expressed concerns of all peoples. (28) 2. Follow your lead: ‘... ensure the sound stewardship of our natural resources while promoting sustainability … raising awareness … ’. Participate in events and learning opportunities, move those voices ahead to tables municipal councilors can be heard at. I am a lay-person in this issue but believe in this issue. (50)
3. Oppose.
4. Local governments need to function based on solution focused thinking… diversifying healthy-living amenities is an investment in sustainable economic development. (20)
5. Forever.

Ken White
1. I think the greatest human-caused threat to Skeena wild salmon, as with most wild animals, is irreversible loss of habitat. Salmon have adapted to numerous changes throughout their history on this planet, and have been able to survive these changes. While overfishing is also a threat, this can be regulated to enable depleted stocks to recover. Destruction of their spawning and feeding habitat will not allow for recovery of stocks, and could leave to extirpation.
2. If elected as town councillor, I would advocate for the importance of retaining our wild salmon stocks, and would ensure that any fish-bearing streams within Smithers town boundary not be negatively impacted by any town operations or developments. I think beyond the town limits, town councilors are somewhat limited in the impact they can have. Since salmon habitat
crosses many jurisdictions, many decisions are made at a higher level than the municipality. That being said, working collaboratively with these other levels of government and NGOs, I would make sure that wild salmon sustainability has a high profile.
3. I oppose the Enbridge pipeline project for the following reasons: 1) I don’t think the risks associated with a pipeline of this size outweigh the benefits. The chances that a pipeline rupture could occur are high, and the increased tanker traffic would also increase the chance of a spill; 2) I don’t think a large number of local jobs will be created, and; 3) The shipping of condensate across the Pacific Ocean is encouraging our continued reliance on fossil fuels. I believe we need to start looking at alternatives, in order to wean ourselves off fossil fuels.
4. Increased tourism is the greatest opportunity that northwestern B.C. has for non-industrialized community development. Recreational tourism brings people to the community, and these people spend money that allows for development. Most tourism is low impact to the environment, and allows for the development of businesses to supply goods and services to the tourists. The development of these businesses is also essential in engaging the human resource, and leads to community development and stability. I think more work needs to be done to encourage tourism in our area, and I would definitely be an advocate for tourism if elected.
5. I personally support the protection of this important area. If I am elected to Smithers town council, I will take any opportunity there is to support the protection of the Sacred Headwaters. Unfortunately, I think the ability of a town councillor to influence decisions like the protection of the Sacred Headwaters is limited by the location of the Headwaters (outside of the town’s jurisdiction), and the levels of government that are involved in creating protected areas. Smithers town council could certainly show support at the municipal level, and advocate for protection whenever possible.

Frank Wray
1. I believe that the greatest human-caused threat to the Skeena (and indeed all) wild salmon is the lack of a cohesive management plan for the resource. All stakeholders including sports fisheries, commercial fisheries (both American and Canadian), salmon farmers and Native fisheries need to come together to establish a resource management plan that ensures that we are able to protect Wild Salmon stocks and still utilize the resource to the advantage of all.
2. As a member of Town Council, we have to help in whatever way we can. Mostly, we can help by strongly voicing concerns to the more senior levels of government. At the council level, our most effective tool is to maintain the health of the portion of the Bulkley River and its tributaries that flow through Smithers. We can do this by ensuring that our sewage continues to be treated effectively and that our storm drains are filtered before their outfall into the river and our streams. The South Trunk storm sewer project allows us to use our wetlands to help naturally filter our storm sewer outflow, so Council should continue to pursue funds to connect the trunk to the main lines.
3. At this time, I personally oppose the Enbridge pipeline. As a member of the current council seeking re-election, I stand by our decision to not issue a “yes” or “no” position, based on the fact that such a decision would not have been unanimous, and would have possibly left us in the position of having the newly elected council issuing a contrary position within a month of our council having issued a position, thus diluting any message being sent by the Town of Smithers.
4. If we want to leave “industrialized” out of the equation, then commercial support of the “industrialized” developments should probably be left out as well… In that case, I would have to say tourism continues to be a great area of growth, but we have to be careful to ensure that we keep our area attractive
to tourists. For example, it is excellent that we have tourists coming in to fish our waters, but we have to make sure that we don’t allow the waters to be overfished, or the “fishing” tourism sector will suffer.
5. Until we fully understand the impacts of development, I support protection of the Skeena Headwaters.

PRINCE RUPERT

Kathleen Bedard
The survey doesn’t allow varying degrees of agreement or disagreement with the limit of 100 words, but I have answered the first and second question.
I perceive over-fishing and pollution as the greatest human- caused threats to Skeena wild salmon but I do not necessarily think it is the fishers on the North Coast who are over-fishing, as I am aware of very creative and sustainable fishing practices being employed, but is resulting from fishing practices before they reach the Skeena and pollution from outside the region. Ensuring the sustainability of Skeena wild salmon is not a direct mandate of a City Council. It resides with organizations such as yours to lobby for proper fishing practices and maintenance; hopefully, with the support of Council.

Corinna Morhart – Could not reach/Did not respond

Jack Mussallem
1. To much escapement; disease in the spawning channels.
2. Lobby for increased enhancement.
3. Ad Mayor, and on any topic, must wait for the review process to end, before providing comment.
4. Greater enhancement and fuller utilization of wildlife and fish stocks. We have very scenic and beautiful areas that can be shown to the world, Canada has favored nation status with China, there’s a tourism opportunity.
5. Yes.

Anna Ashley
1. There are many human-caused threats to Skeena wild salmon. The biggest threat would be global warming and its effects on water temperature and climate which ultimately affect salmon stocks, especially as they spawn. If salmon cannot recognize the waters they came from, as they return to the rivers, then the life cycle is interrupted and as a result salmon stocks decline. Policies need to be created that reflect environmentally sound practices in business and industry and funding must be available to support their implementation. This also means holding government agencies to task on enforcing environmental policies around resource use.
2. Since fisheries are under federal jurisdiction, municipal levels of government do not have any power to create policies around this matter. However, there is power in working together with our fellow municipalities and organizations such as the Union of BC Municipalities to put forward resolutions that protect our wild stocks. It is my belief that municipal governments should lobby other levels of government to create, fund and enforce policies that support sustainability, and environmentally sound practices to ensure that there is a sound balance between environmental, economic, social and cultural considerations.
3. I believe in economic and environmentally sustainable resource use. As a Prince Rupert citizen, I don’t believe the Enbridge pipeline is worth the risk. There is virtually no financial benefit in terms of jobs, or revenues for our city. It is a huge risk to our quality of life and the industries we rely on in our community such as sport and commercial fishing, tourism, and aquaculture in the event of an oil spill. As a councillor however, I believe it is the people of Prince Rupert that should decide whether or not they want projects like the Enbridge pipeline.
4. The single greatest opportunity for non-industrialized community economic development is in the area of Tourism, which although technically an industry, does not have the same effect on the environment as other resource industries. It is renewable and sustainable while providing many jobs and a lot of revenue to our city. There are huge opportunities for the development of the tourism sector in our region, due to our beautiful coastlines, majestic mountains, pristine waters and abundant wildlife. We can partner with our first nations neighbours, and neighbouring local governments, to expand this sector in the areas of cultural and eco-tourism.
5. The proposed development in the Sacred headwaters would potentially contaminate the watershed at its source which would have wide ranging impacts on the entire ecosystem. This can cause such things as contaminated drinking water, depleted salmon stocks (destruction of spawning beds), loss of wildlife habitat, loss of revenue and resources for the sport and commercial fishing industry, as well as others. I don’t believe the currently proposed resource extraction from this area is environmentally sound or sustainable due to the nature of the process being proposed for use.

Judy Carlick-Pearson
1. I believe that over conversation is a huge threat to our sustainability, as well as pollution. I grew in and around the fishing industry and so I appreciate proper management of our resources. I also believe that protecting our waters is a crucial component when it comes to talking about our future. We need to do what’s best for our waters and lands and think
strategically about the our future as a marine city.
2. In my platform I state “Promoting economic development with the intention of hiring locally and training locally. While also keeping in mind that there are no environmental or community risks involved in projects”
3. Yes, I believe that the Pipeline could generate more jobs in our communities however, the risks are very visible and not worth jeopardizing our waters. We need to protect our waters at all costs. I understand that people think that the Pipeline will help develop our help community but it may also may ruin our livelihood, sustenance and future as a marine city.
4. Nocomment.
5. Yes

Gina Garon
1. My perception is that the single greatest human caused threat to skeena wild salmon is the possible contamination from tailings from mining sites and other heavy industrial contaminates.
2. If elected, I will ensure that we continue to lobby our federal and provincial governments to protect Skeena Wild Salmon
3. Personally, at this time, I do not support Endbridge as I still have alot of unanswered questions ….What I do know is that I do not want to be held responsible for the devastation that will occur when there is a catastrophic oil spill , be it on the ocean
or inland…....I have questioned them several times at council meetings and they continually are unable give the responses that I need in order to make an informed desicion.
4. I believe there are many opportunities for non- industrialized community economic development. What the single greatest opportunity is…..I would have to explore those opportunities…..it is not up to me to decide…..it is up business to decide what that looks like…..perhaps food production is a possibity…..be it mariculture, aquaculture, salmon ranching, shell fish production…..harvesting mushrooms from the forest floor…...and other plants that might be used in phamasutical applications…..there are endless opportunities to be explored.
5. Yes, I do support protection of the Sacred Headwaters.

Christo Holmes – Could not reach/Did not respond
Kinney Nelson – Could not reach/Did not respond
James Kirk – Could not reach/Did not respond
Conrad Lewis – Could not reach/Did not respond

Gabriel McLean
1. Supply and demand market.
2. I do not have an answer for you because I am not aware of municipal powers over the issue of wild salmon. I am prepared to learn how and at what level I could be educated and involved.
3. Support
4. Alternate hydro power generation.
5. YES

Jennifer Rice
1. At the present moment I think the greatest human-caused threat to Skeena wild salmon would be the federal government
that the people of Canada have put in leadership. Unfortunately, the present government does not seem to understand the value of wild salmon to the people of British Columbia. This is demonstrated by recent endorsements for the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project from federal ministers before the review of the project has even been completed. It is also demonstrated by the recent cancelling of the funding of the PNCIMA (Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area) process. This marine planning process will help plan for the future determining areas allocated for specifics uses including First Nations use, commercial use and protected areas.
2. If elected I would support economic and community development projects that are in tune with the values of the people that live in the Northwest. That includes a life and culture where salmon and other species of fish are valued and not put at risk.
3. I do not support the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines proposal that would see 1200 kms of twin pipelines running from the Alberta tar sands to the town of Kitimat. The project would mean crossing 1000s of fish-bearing streams and would introduce super-tankers to Northern waters that would be required to navigate the rocky shores of Douglas Channel. While all development has an environmental impact to a certain degree, the risks of this particular project far outweigh the benefits
4. This is a great question and should be posed to the people who live here. I think the possibilities are limited to our collective imaginations. One possibility would be local energy production such as small wind turbine generated, or tidal produced energy. Not only is this an economic opportunity for Prince Rupert but it helps build community resilience. We are after all, a small and isolated community at the end of a road.
5. I do support the protection of the Sacred Headwaters — The Headwaters of the Skeena, Stikine and Nass rivers. These 3 great rivers are of tremendous economic and cultural significance to the people of the Northwest. Putting these rivers at risk by drilling for coal bed methane is a risky practise that has a record of poor success with much environmental degradation. This activity has the potential to destroy fish and fish habitat including eulachon, a species at risk and of great importance to local First Nations hence I support the protection of the Sacred Headwaters.

Farley Stewart – Could not reach/Did not respond
Joy Thorkelson – Could not reach/Did not respond
Robert Vallee – Could not reach/Did not respond

TERRACE

Don Dunster – Could not reach/Did not respond
Jennifer Lewis – Could not reach/Did not respond

Bruce Martindale
1. Industrialization of the Basin. Federal Government Treating Salmon as a commodity, Forestry treating habitat as expendable. Pipeline building arguing short-term damage is reasonable, and long-term pipeline risks are manageable. We need to put the fish first in our consciousness and actions.
2. I will bring the River into every conversation, into every promotion, and into the consciousness of the people. I will develop a stewardship position, first through the Terrace Community Forest Strategic Plan and then through advocacy and promotion of those standards. I welcome insight and participation in this process next spring if I am elected. I have also long advocated for our region to be called the Skeena Region “officially” to remind us why we are here in all our actions.
3. I am absolutely opposed to any Pipleline carrying Crude Oil or Bitumen through our mountains, across our streams and beside our rivers. I oppose any crude tanker , big or small, shipping through our Northern channels and waters. I have been front and centre on this issue since I was elected, challenging our Council to move to an opposition role so we can begin to challenge this project before it is too late.
4. I am particularly interested in the local food movement, and with the right policies and promotion I believe we can approach sustainability in this field and stream, particularly as we begin to respect our resources as lifegiving and not just commodities. For example, our Community Garden has over 50 plots un- used, and I am dedicated to promoting that fact this spring. My Waste Diversion Action Plan also has at its core, entrepeneurial access to the waste streams so that innovative solutions can be found and local industry can be developed around waste as we move toward the Zero Waste goal
5. Yes. In fact in a private meeting with Shell as they were promoting their plans for Kitimat (now public knowledge), I brought up the Sacred Headwaters and asked if they were prepared to include that project into their social contract with our communities as they move to develop a Natural Gas Pipeline. I received no answer, but it the type of question you might expect from me when I get the chance. I realize that this issue is on the horizon and I am prepared to cahallenge Council to take a stand, as opposed to the Neutral position they have currently.

David Pernarowski
1. At the moment, the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.
2. All decisions we make as a community and in this region relating to economic development should ask that question. Our decisions must respect the environment and not impact wild salmon.
3. I do not support the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project. I believe that we can’t afford to have even one spill into our rivers and streams or into the ocean from the oil tankers.
4. Our greatest opportunity for non-industrialized community economic development is creating bio-energy from wood waste and building large commercial greenhouse operations to grow organiz produce year-round.
5. Yes, I support the protection of the Sacred Headwaters. The movie, ‘Awakening the Skeena’ with Ali Howard provided an excellent visual reason why we need to treasure the Headwaters and our river systems.

Merv Ritchie
1. The lack of unity of the people of the region along with the numerous disparate groups, including environmental groups, to stand as one entity to protect the region is the greatest threat. Currently no activity is ongoing except the spillage of nuclear waste from Japan into the migration habitat of all salmon stocks. The potential threats include; placement of fish farms on migration routes, proposed coal mining along with coalbed methane drilling in the Klappan region and the potential of a tanker breaking up loaded with raw bitumen releasing hundreds of thousands of litres of carcinogens into the environment.
2. The Skeena River runs through Terrace. The fishing industry provides a significant part of the economic foundation for Terrace. Therefore, any activity, from the headwaters at the Spatzizi Plateau to the waters the migrating salmon pass through, becomes a serious issue of concern. As Mayor I will ensure these habitats are protected to the highest standards such that the waters of the Skeena River will allow the salmon to flourish. This includes monitoring the catch allowances for sport and commercial fishing to provide our council an opportunity to make informed inquires to, and of, the Federal and Provincial governing authorities.
3. I oppose Enbridge building a pipeline to carry the proposed bitumen product from the Tar Sands of Alberta to Douglas Channel at Kitimat for transport in VLCC and ULCC tankers. I would support, if the shipment of petroleum is necessary, the containerized transport by cargo carriers and rail. I would never support the present day method of bulk carriers with the raw petroleum product uncontained. Nor would I support the proposed tank farms on the shores of Douglas Channel, or anywhere. All transport of this product should be in double skinned, vacuum sealed containers, from the origin to the destination.
4. Without any doubt it is the First Nations Culture. This has been virtually ignored and has the potential to bring ten times the travelling tourist and revenue to the region than the salmon fishing ever will. With very little investment, simply the nurturing of the elders and the youth of the eight Nations of the region; the Nisga’a, Haisla, Haida, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en and Tahltan, we might be able to become an attraction of international notoriety. The immense revenues derived from this activity could fund infrastructure projects to further enhance the culture working as a perpetual economic engine.
5. Yes. What is referred to as the Sacred headwaters is the Klappan region. This area borders the Spatzizi Wilderness Plateau and has been identified as holding a massive quantity of Coal called the Groundhog deposit, which Fortune Minerals plans to mine. This deposit acts as a water filter for three major rivers of the northwest; the Stikine, the Skeena and the Nass. These rivers provide
the lifeblood and nourishment for everything living in the northwest. There is no location in British Columbia that has more significance to such a wide array of habitat. The Sacred Headwaters is just that, sacred.

Tamara Ainscow – Could not reach/Did not respond
Bruce Bidgood – Could not reach/Did not respond

Lynne Christiansen
1. over fishing and mismanagement
2. I am not a biologist and would rely heavily on input from experts in this field.
3. I am opposed to enbridge
4. recreation and eco-tourism
5. yes

James Cordeiro
1. I think the single greatest threat is irresponsible resource extraction. Certainly there are industrial projects that can take place without increasing the risks to our river systems. It is important that as a community we look past quick economic gains and instead focus on projects that will have a lasting benefit to the region without jeopardizing our environment.
2. Municipally, we can work with higher levels of government and agencies on issues outside municipal jurisdiction. An area within the control of the City and Regional District is waste management. With a soon to be recycling drop off centre, I would like to see the city and RD work to prevent dumping in and around our river. I would propose a “Keep it out of the River” campaign encouraging recycling of products, eliminating tipping fees at the dump for items that are not returnable, and increasing fines for illegal dumping. This would help to keep our water system cleaner.
3. I oppose the Enbridge pipeline. Terrace and local businesses earn millions of dollars a year from tourism and fishing. We will see an economic benefit from construction of the pipeline but that benefit will come and then go, whereas proper stewardship of our rivers will provide economic benefit year after year.
4. The most viable non-industrialized development would be First Nations and Ecotourism. That said there would still be environmental impacts associated with increasing tourism such as increased traffic through YXT. We will need to look at some industrialized economic development if we are to promote growth and give tax relief to homeowners as explained in question 1.
5. I am on record from the 2008 election opposing coal bed methane extraction in the Scared Headwaters.

Marylin Davies – Could not reach/Did not respond
Brian Downie – Could not reach/Did not respond
MaryAnn Freeman – Could not reach/Did not respond

Chris Gee
1. Climate change, Shell, Enbridge, and the hydro power project frenzy currently overtaking our region, all make it near the top of my list but, the single greatest threat comes from finger pointers like myself who lay blame on others for the slow moving catastrophe of biosphere degradation. Almost everyone I know (I include myself in this), over consume resources and are addicted to fossil fuels. Herein lies the systemic source of the single greatest threat to Skeena wild salmon.
2. I will do everything in my power to encourage Terrace City Council to officially oppose Enbridge and Shell’s CBM plans.
3. OPPOSE!
4. Expansion of our local food system.
5. Yes, with all my heart.

Tyson Hull – Could not reach/Did not respond
Dan LeFrancois – Could not reach/Did not respond

Michael Ross
1. Fish farming. I am, by no means, an expert. The more I learn, the more they scare me. This was the first thing that came to mind, there are others.
2. Elected officials are attaching a higher priority to sustainability in general as they become more aware of its significance, and certainly have some influence in their respective areas of responsibility. I, as a city Councillor,
may advocate the cause of our wild salmon, get resolutions passed, promote education and create awareness but; it will be ineffective unless it is done “up and down the river” so to speak. I used the word “heartened” earlier, with respect to your survey, because it sends the message “people are watching” and may help to motivate the greater co-operation that is required.
3. Tampering with the Sacred Headwaters, the Enbridge pipeline and the associated oil tanker traffic have the potential to destroy our way of life as effectively as any invading army and must be opposed with as much tenacity. I have said this before and there is not enough money to change this stand.
I will interject here, a Direct Democracy, where people, (not politicians or committees), are the final authority on any issue, would have the power to stop these actions cold. No appeals, no “ifs ands or buts”. 4. Tourism (and the associated recreational and service industries) Win/ win. Maintain the beauty and the ecology while deriving a very prosperous livelihood and preserving tradition. For so long it was “Super Natural BC”. Now, we are on course for supernatural BC – as in “nothing left but ghosts” We must apply our wisdom soon. The “boom/bust” cycles have been cancerous and destructive. Tourism may prove to be slower growth but will be healthy growth, and will immunize us from this cycle.
5. Tampering with the Sacred Headwaters, the Enbridge pipeline and the associated oil tanker traffic have the potential to destroy our way of life as effectively as any invading army and must be opposed with as much tenacity. I have said this before and there is not enough money to change this stand. I will interject here, a Direct Democracy, where people, (not politicians or committees), are the final authority on any issue, would have the power to stop these actions cold. No appeals, no “ifs ands or buts”.

Stacey Tyers
1. Enbridge
2. I will advocate that we take stands. That it is our responsibility as a community and a council to protect and respect our environment. We must also stand by First Nations people who too often are consulted as a token gesture and not truly listened to. This is not an acceptable practice, we must ensure we hear them.
3. Oppose, The potential risks outweigh the potential benefit.
4. Small Business Services. Whether arts, culture, food etc.. We need to support, train and encourage more small business.
5. Yes, we need to protect our communities and maintain their extensive beauty and environmental benefit for the generations to come. Greed should never overpower the desire to ensure stability and sustainability for the generations to follow.

KITIMAT

Randy Halyk
1. Simply put fish farming and the lack of action by government and DFO on this very serious threat.
2. There is little a local government can do other than lobby the Provincial and Federal Governments to protect our salmon. Support good science and reject environmentally dangerous projects. Organizations like Friends of Wild Salmon need to take action. Learn about what the issues are that affect our salmon and support real Salmon not just ideologies. Sustainable programs are essential to maintain any fishery. River lake and stream enhancement is a no brainer yet both DFO and Provincial Fisheries would rather sit on their hands and watch our waterways be degraded
by unsustainable practises. Hatcheries are a great stopgap measure to maintain a fishery but why not fix the problem instead of just massaging it. Even the Hatchery system has been eroded, budgets have been cut, programs curtailed, people laid of. Wouldn’t it be smarter to bring our waterways back from the brink stop overfishing and start repairing? I have witnessed and been involved in restoration projects in other provinces that have not only saved waterways but have created sustainable fisheries. Projects that may have an initial high capital cost, but in the long run cost far less because once restored that fishery need only to be protected and will produce far more fish. The cost of stewardship programs in far less than maintaining hatcheries.
3. NO,
4. Good question. I recently watched a documentary on sustainable living; the premise was somewhat akin to the 100
mile diet. The idea is to develop a sustainable community to the point that growth is not needed to maintain a healthy life style and economy. You would still need industry and commerce but it would be as clean and environmental maintainable. A utopian dream world but the documentary had examples of communities in a number of countries around the world working within that framework. I look forward to hearing the answer from far smarter people than myself.
5. Yes

Joanne Monaghan
1. Illegal fishing
2. Lobby
3. By law that our council has set out, I am neutral and will remain so until the environmental review comes out.
4. Green issues, like biomass (eg Pytrade, a company from Germany that is dealing in Bio mass, heat and electricity from wood waste, pellets from wood waste and briquettes from cardboard), and tourism.
5. I believe that is a question that should be sent to the NCLGA, as that organization of elected officials covers that area.

Danny Nunes – Could not reach/Did not respond
Jim Thom – Could not reach/Did not respond
Joshua Callahan – Could not reach/Did not respond
Bob Corless – Could not reach/Did not respond
Edwin Empinado – Could not reach/Did not respond
Mario Feldhoff – Could not reach/Did not respond
Phil Germuth – Could not reach/Did not respond

Rob Goffinet
1. Previous to this past year, I would have said logging, but lately with the possible commercial fish-farm introduced viruses into Pacific wild stocks, I would say open-net fish farming may prove to be the greatest threat. Definitive scientific study must be done on this subject.
2. As an elected District of Kitimat Councillor with a close working relationship with our Skeena MLA Robin Austin, and our Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen, I will work towards the replacement of open-net fish farms with closed containment systems coupled with enforcement of best forest practices regarding logging. I also endorse continued, full support of the DFO’s Kitimat River Fish Hatchery. 3. I am on record as being opposed to the Enbridge Northern Gateway (Bitumen) Pipeline. I believe it poses a grave risk to the more than 1000 water courses that it will traverse between Alberta and the BC Coast, as well as posing an unacceptable and possibly catastrophic threat to the entire North Coast through it’s use of super tankers to export the bitumen offshore.
4. In Kitimat, the development of the sport fishing industry, as well as boating, kayaking and eco-tourism focused on the Douglas Channel and on the North Coast in general, is the greatest non-industrial opportunity for development.
5. Yes. I am in favor of making the moratorium on natural gas extraction in the head waters of the major salmon bearing rivers of the northwest a permanent one. I am concerned that through the application of modern techniques like hydraulic fracturing the major water courses of the Northwest could be severely damaged threatening the fish stocks and natural eco-systems of these rivers.

Mary Murphy
1. The greatest human-caused threat to the Skeena wild salmon, is over fishing, my perception, followed by leaching into the rivers.
2. Education on the maintenance of our fish supply. There have been many changes over the years, and fishing has taken on a specialized kind of fishing, and I am not concerned with the sport fisherman. Lobby the government on strengthen environmental laws, and enforced compliance with the communities and industries.
3. At this time I feel that The Enbridge pipeline, has too many risks, which outweighs the benefits. I am willing to sit down with the government, the industry and communities to insure environmental laws are upgraded and risks are addressed. We have a huge appetite for this commodity, and I don’t hear any solutions, we need to be part of the future building in order to address the huge environmental concerns. That means being part of what we perceive as the projected good and bad changes.
4. Our area is filled with many opportunities by its prestige protected waters, and all that our wonderful Douglas channel has to offer, we also have beautiful surrounds, wonderful culture and traditions. but all that should be looked at with all aspects, I am hopping that we are not looking at elimination of all industries? that is not the answer, we need balance of sustainability which includes, a balance between industry, environment concerns, and social responsibilities.
5. Absolutely support the protection of the Sacred Headwaters, the culture, the protection of the beautiful pristine beauty of this beautiful land, and this can be done with honesty and analysis to the fullest, proposals coming forward. Working with communities, government and industries…to ensure our community needs are met.

John Pacheco – Could not reach/Did not respond

Jack Riddle
1. In the past I would have considered over fishing by ALL concerned as the most damaging to our wild Skeena Salmon. However, at this time I feel that the proposed Enbridge pipeline running past the Skeena and it’s tributaries, in close proximity to the Skeena watershed, the very greatest threat.
2. I will work diligently to get all concerned to remove the threat of the Enbridge pipeline.
3. Obviously I am opposed to Enbridge.
4. Tourism. We are smack dab in some of the most beautiful, most pristine and mostly undamaged part of the world and lets show case it.
5. Yes – this is where the watershed begins. Without the Headwaters we don’t have drinking water, our wild life downstream are stressed, our First Nations peoples who rely so heavily on salmon for their diet have their way of life wiped out, etc. etc..

Joe Salema
1. The greatest human cause threat to the wild salmon would be an oil spill on the west coast, straight up, if we let enbridge in, it’ll only be a matter of time before we experience thee inevitable.
2. If elected I would work with what resources we have as a council to try and keep our oceans clear of oil tankers. 3. I am OPPOSED to the Enbridge pipeline. I don’t need no report to convince me of how I feel on this issue.
4. I believe that the single greatest opportunity for non- industrialized community economic development would have to be the tourism business along with a small business approach geared toward our wilderness and wildlife.
5. Yes I do support the protection of our sacred headwaters.

Corinne Scott – Could not reach/Did not respond
Carl Whicher – Could not reach/Did not respond

New Hazelton

Robert Henwood – Could not reach/Did not respond
Gail Lowry – Could not reach/Did not respond

Norm Andersen
1. I perceive that the single greatest human-caused threat to Skeena wild salmon is overfishing.
2. If I am elected I will be willing to hear from various groups on what their concerns or suggestions are in regards to ensuring sustainability of our Skeena Wild Salmon. I think that being on council we can access the government and voice potential concerns.
3. I am on the fence in regards to whether I am for or against the Enbridge pipeline. I am for it as it will create jobs for the building of it. I do realize that once built it won’t employ many. I also think that there is the potential for many environmental disasters. I think that in order for this to pass there needs to be very strict regulations and safety precautions in place before it is given the go ahead. I am not sure if the benefits outweigh the negatives.
4. I think that the single greatest opportunity for non-industrialized community economic development is to enhance current tourism in this area. We need to maximize on what our community can offer whether it be through eco adventure or historical/cultural adventures. I think that all of the communities need to come together to collaborate and see how the existing tourism can work together to create a bigger attraction to potential visitors.
5. Yes I support the protection of the Sacred Headwaters. I have had the opportunity to see that part of the country and it is amazing. This area is so important as it is the start of all of the water systems in our area as well as other areas. If the headwaters are damaged….so too are our water systems.

George Burns – Could not reach/Did not respond
Braunwyn Henwood – Could not reach/Did not respond
Richard Simms – Could not reach/Did not respond

Ray Sturney
1. Coalbed Methane extraction in the headwaters.
2. I am not running for council to protect our wild salmon and will not bring the matter up to council. I have supported and will continue to support the opposition to coalbed methane extraction and any other threat to our rivers, lakes and streams.
3. I oppose oil tanker traffic on our coast. The best way to stop the tankers is to stop the pipeline.
4. The tourist industry. We have, in the Skeena (Kispiox) Bulkley valleys, a vast hiking area, full of mountains, lakes, streams, birds, plants and animals, all in a pristine environment. We are one of the best kept secrets in natural Canada.
5. Yes.

Pete Weeber – Could not reach/Did not respond
Mike Weeber – Could not reach/Did not respond

Janet Willson
1. I think that one of the greatest threats to Skeena wild salmon is the danger of contaminating an area of the river if there were an industrial accident. Both road and rail follow the Skeena closely for long distances.
2. I feel that an additional threat could be the over harvesting of wild salmon before and after they enter the Skeena.
3. I am opposed to the Enbridge pipeline.
4. Tourism is a great opportunity for non industrialized community economic development. We should continue to promote and build on it.
5. I support protection of the Sacred Headwaters

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