INFORMATION BULLETIN For Immediate Release Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource 2015FLNR0240-001311 Operations Aug. 17, 2015 Further consultation on Pender Harbour dock management underway

VICTORIA ʹIn response to public comments received on the draft Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is undertaking further engagement to identify possible options for the foreshore lands before the plan is finalized.

The ministry has retained the services of Barry Penner, a lawyer and consultant, to lead this process. Penner will meet directly with community groups, shíshálh Nation and community stakeholders. He is also accepting email comments from dock owners and community members. This information will be considered as he prepares his advice and reports back to the Province by the end of October.

In support of the process, Penner is working with the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan Working Group, a broad-based community organization that includes dock owners, members of the community, business owners, and representatives from the chamber of commerce, Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society, Pender Harbour Advisory Council, and the Egmont Community Association.

The proposed dock management plan would apply to an area within the territory of the shíshálh Nation. Government is working closely with shíshálh to ensure that their Aboriginal rights in the region are protected.

To ensure you͛re invited to a meeting, email: [email protected]

Quick Facts:

‡ In , the Province regulates construction and other activities that occur on the foreshore ʹthe land between the high and low watermarks of a stream, rivers, lake or ocean. ‡ B.C.͛s private moorage policy addresses regional environmental, wildlife, health, safety, heritage and other issues, as well as the requirement to consult with First Nations. ‡ Along with conforming to the rules set down by the Province, all private docks in the Province must comply with Canadian fisheries and navigation regulations and local government zoning regulations and building codes.

A backgrounder follows. Media Contact: Greig Bethel Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 250 356-5261

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect BACKGROUNDER For Immediate Release Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource 2015FLNR0240-001311 Operations Aug. 17, 2015 Barry Penner

Barry Penner, QC, was raised in . He studied political science and economics at to earn his bachelor of arts degree. He later earned his law degree from the .

A former park ranger, wildfire fighter and sawmill worker, Penner also worked as a B.C. legislative intern in Victoria. In 1991, he worked for an International law firm in Bangkok, Thailand and then later practised law in Chilliwack until his election to the B.C. legislature in 1996.

Penner served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Chilliwack-Hope for 16 years. He also served as Attorney General of British Columbia, Minister of Environment and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

He left politics in 2012 and joined Davis LLP (now DLA Piper (Canada)), a national law firm, where he focused on environmental, energy and First Nations issues. He currently operates a legal and public affairs advisory practice.

Media Contact: Greig Bethel Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 250 356-5261

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect