Liberals curious about minister’s creek commitment
Two Liberal MLAs are asking Environment Minister John Edzerza how he will honour his commitments to protect McIntyre Creek from development.
Photo by Whitehorse Star
Don Inverarity and Eric Fairclough
Two Liberal MLAs are asking Environment Minister John Edzerza how he will honour his commitments to protect McIntyre Creek from development.
“Before he returned to the Yukon Party (in 2009), Mr. Edzerza was vocal in his support for protecting the McIntyre Creek corridor,” Eric Fairclough, the Liberals’ environment critic, said in a statement today.
“Now that he is Environment minister, he is in the position to do just that.”
The McIntyre Creek corridor is an area of unparalleled wilderness value within Whitehorse, the Liberals noted.
Students, from elementary school to Yukon College, use the area for educational excursions. The area is also popular with birders, hikers, skiers and other recreational users.
While a member of the NDP caucus, Edzerza spoke in favour of McIntyre Creek’s permanent protection.
On Aug. 11, 2008, he wrote to the Kwanlin Dun First Nation chief and council regarding the Friends of McIntyre Creek’s hopes for the area.
“I am in full support of this group’s efforts to seek permanent protection for the McIntyre Creek corridor running through the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation,” Edzerza wrote.
He also submitted a letter to the Star in August 2008, declaring that, “While we easily attach a dollar value to development, we have a much harder time appreciating the value of wilderness,” and urging the area’s protection.
“There should be no development in the McIntyre Creek area,” said Liberal MLA Don Inverarity, who represents Porter Creek South.
“The Liberal caucus supports the work of the Friends of McIntyre Creek and the Porter Creek Community Association in protecting this area. Mr. Edzerza has said the same, and we look forward to his concrete plans to protect McIntyre Creek.”
Added Fairclough: “Now that he has the power to do so, we are confident Mr. Edzerza will live up to his commitments.
“We have written him asking for his intentions, work plans, and timelines for preserving McIntyre Creek and look forward to his prompt reply.”
MLAs will begin their spring sitting the afternoon of March 25, it was announced last week.
Francias pillman
Mar 15, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Who cares what john has to say. Nothing out of his mouth can be trusted. He is the definition of PHONY.