Opposition to the grizzly bear trophy hunt in BC continues to grow as the Bella Coola Valley Tourism (BCVT) board made their stance clear at a recent board meeting.
“Bella Coola Valley Tourism’s purpose is to work together to promote tourism development,” said BCVT president Ernest Hall, according to Coast Mountain News. “We are that pleased to announce our support for the Coastal First Nations ban on trophy hunting in the Great Bear Rainforest.”
Another board member noted that the official support to the First Nations ban will open Bella Coola Valley Tourism up to “other markets who do not wish to work with us because of the trophy killing” in the region.
Activities like bear viewing have shown to be extremely profitable, outpacing the earnings of trophy hunting. But when the two collide, it’s most harmful to those who paid to see, not kill, the bears.
The Liberal government claims that their population estimates show the grizzly bear hunt is sustainable, despite concerning evidence that there are major flaws in their management system.
Blog: Review of Grizzly Management a Warning, Not a Win, for Government
At least 90 percent of British Columbians oppose the trophy hunt, as shown through multiple polls, and 48 percent of residents are more likely to support a party that will shut down the contentious hunt. But the government holds fast to their pay-to-kill program.
As more tourism boards, ecotourism companies, non-profits like The Fur-Bearers, and large companies like LUSH Cosmetics, stand up against the government and call for an end to the trophy hunt, it’s becoming clear that the grizzly bears may not be at risk – but political parties who support the hunt are.
Please take time to locate your local candidates for the upcoming provincial election in British Columbia and let them know you stand against the hunt – and want them to, as well. If you don’t live in BC, you can contact Premier Christy Clark at [email protected]and let her know you won’t be spending your tourism dollars while the trophy hunt continues. Please also take time to thank theBella Coola Valley Tourism board for their decision. You can find their contact information on their website atbellacoola.ca.
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