August 5, 2021

Skidegate — Three new projects, in partnership with coastal Indigenous Nations, will target marine debris along B.C.’s shoreline, including more remote areas in Haida Gwaii and the Discovery Islands.

An additional $3.6 million from the Clean Coast, Clean Waters (CCCW) initiative will be distributed to three organizations: Misty Isles Economic Development Society; Spirit of the West Adventures; and the Campbell River Association of Tour Operators. These new projects will clean up more than an additional 1,000 kilometres of shorelines and create 240 jobs, which include 163 jobs for youth.

“This is a great opportunity to build on the good work of removing debris from the shorelines of Haida Territory,” said Gaagwiis, president of the Haida Nation, “It takes continued effort and partnership between the Haida Nation and the people of Haida Gwaii to work with provincial and federal governments to clean up the world’s litter from our beaches. These are promising initiatives that will need to continue well into the future if we are to truly have a clean coast.”

This announcement increases the number of projects under the CCCW initiative to nine with a total investment of nearly $18 million. The CCCW initiative is an important part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and its goal to address plastic pollution.

“As the MLA for this region and a long-time resident of a coastal B.C. community, I have seen first hand the problem of marine debris,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA of North Coast, “Haida Gwaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s great news that this area will be one of the targets of the CCCW program, returning it to a pristine state.”

This initiative is also part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response, which includes StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan that protects people’s health and livelihoods, while supporting businesses and communities.

Learn more at BC Gov News