Senators praise Canada’s commitment to protect flathead valley

Baucus And Tester Invite Canadian Premier To “Solidify” The Details

(Washington D.C.) – In response to British Columbia Lieutenant Governor Steven L. Point’s pledge today to not permit mining, oil and gas development and coalbed gas extraction in British Columbia's Flathead Valley, Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester have asked to meet personally with British Columbian Premier Gordon Campbell to solidify the details of this new policy.

Baucus and Tester have long been advocates of protecting the North Fork of the Flathead, and have pushed to ban any new mining or development activities and praised the British Columbian government for making this important announcement.

In a letter, the Senators’ wrote: “The resources of the North Fork of the Flathead River are unmatched.  Canadians and Americans are forever linked in our efforts to preserve this treasure for the future generations, both north and south of the border.  Together, we live, work, and prosper because of the resources in this valley, and your actions are a step forward in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this ecosystem. We look forward to meeting with you as soon as possible to solidify the details of this policy and begin a new chapter in our partnership in the Flathead.”

Full Text of the Letter Below:

February 9, 2010

The Honorable Gordon Campbell
Premier
Province of British Columbia
PO Box 9041, Station Provincial Government
Victoria, British Columbia V8W9E1
Canada

Dear Premier Campbell:

We are writing to you with congratulations for your work to develop the policy that was announced by Lieutenant Governor Steven Point today that mining, oil and gas development, and coalbed methane extraction will not be permitted in British Columbia’s Flathead Valley. 

The resources of the North Fork of the Flathead River are unmatched.  Canadians and Americans are forever linked in our efforts to preserve this treasure for the future generations, both north and south of the border.  Together, we live, work, and prosper because of the resources in this valley, and your actions are a step forward in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this ecosystem. 

We look forward to meeting with you as soon as possible to solidify the details of this policy and begin a new chapter in our partnership in the Flathead.

Sincerely,

Max Baucus

Jon Tester