Re: “B.C. unveils tough new rules for real estate sector,” June 30
Shadow-flipping and runaway real estate prices forced the government to end self-regulation in the real estate industry. The premier and minister of finance seem to have suddenly recognized government has an important regulatory role.
Self-regulation is still the order of the day in other industries, especially those based on B.C.’s natural resources. The government has received numerous reports concluding that self-regulation in natural resource development is failing the public interest.
In May, the auditor general stated the government’s “compliance and enforcement activities of the mining sector are inadequate to protect the public from significant environmental risks.” The Mount Polley disaster is one result of self-regulation in B.C.’s mining industry.
Self-regulation in the forestry industry is also failing British Columbians. Recently the B.C. Forest Practices Board concluded “the compliance and enforcement program has significantly reduced its inspection effort in the areas of forestry and range practices.”
Geologists, engineers, foresters and the other licensed science officers employed by the province have been sounding this alarm for years.
Since the B.C. Liberal government took office and transitioned natural resource development to a self-regulated model, the number of science officers in the public service has been cut by more than 25 per cent.
Similar to real estate, oversight of natural-resource development cannot be left solely to profit-driven industry. The government shouldn’t wait for another environmental disaster to realize that self-regulation for natural resources in B.C. is the wrong approach.
Scott McCannell, executive director
Professional Employees Association
Victoria
