First Nations Leaders Call for Increase in BC’s Water Rental Rates; Immediate Funding to Protect Watersheds Amid Droughts

First Nations leaders are calling for immediate reforms to BC’s water rental rates, and funding to help protect watersheds from on-going droughts.

Over two-thirds of BC’s 34 watersheds are currently under level four or five drought conditions on the Province’s five-step scale.

That is prompting reduced streamflows and higher water temperatures, leading to widespread damage to ecosystems and fish habitats.

Last year, the Province committed $100 million to the Watershed Security Fund, but future investments will be needed to secure its sustainability.

Union of BC Indian Chiefs President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip says a paradigm shift in the way we respect and value water is needed.

He says governments need to begin prioritizing and investing in watersheds beyond media, political, and budget cycles.

Members of the First Nations Leadership Council are also calling for an increase in BC’s water rental rates, set in 2015.

They say the low rates are being abused, particularly by industry, and that they aren’t enough to cover the cost of water management.

Provincial officials are being urged to come to the table to collaborate on water revenue sharing with First Nations.