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Canada loses a great friend of the environment
by WCWC Media •
Monday May 05, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Vancouver, British Columbia – Members of the Wilderness Committee today mourned the loss of Charles Caccia, former Member of Parliament for the Toronto riding of Davenport and former Minister of Environment under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Mr. Caccia passed away on Saturday, May 3, after suffering a stroke earlier in the week. He was 78 years old...
For immediate release – Monday May 5, 2008
Canada loses a great friend of the environment
Charles Caccia remembered fondly by many in the BC conservation community
Vancouver, British Columbia – Members of the Wilderness Committee today mourned the loss of Charles Caccia, former Member of Parliament for the Toronto riding of Davenport and former Minister of Environment under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Mr. Caccia passed away on Saturday, May 3, after suffering a stroke earlier in the week. He was 78 years old.
“We were all saddened by the news. Mr. Caccia was a remarkable person. Exceedingly polite, soft spoken and friendly to all, he had an ability to work long hours with a clear resolve to gain legislative protection for Canadas natural environment – these are some of the qualities that impressed me most about him,” said Joe Foy, Wilderness Committee National Campaign Director.
Mr. Caccia worked for the preservation of South Moresby in British Columbia. In 1984, then Federal Environment Minister Caccia made public a letter to British Columbias Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing, Anthony Brummet. Mr. Caccia proposed exploring the possibility of creating a national park and a national marine park in the south Moresby area. In 1987 the area was designated the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve by the government of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
Also, in 1999, Mr. Caccia introduced Private Members Bill C-236, an Act to amend the National Parks. His Bill, which called for the establishment of a National Park Reserve covering the Elaho, Sims and Clendenning Valleys plus surrounding wild lands located north of Squamish, BC, received First Reading on October 18,1999 then went on to a full House debate on November 24, 1999. Like most Private Members Bills, Bill C-236 did not go on to become law. But it did serve notice that the area was one of Canadas hottest conservation hot spots.
Much of area, including the controversial Elaho Valley that Mr. Caccias Private Members Bill sought to protect a decade ago, is now slated to be protected. The provincial legislation is expected to be enacted by the end of this month.
“I believe we are celebrating the preservation of the Elaho today, in part because of Mr. Caccias hard work back in 99. He was a good person who made a positive difference for the Canadian people and natural environment. We are all going to miss him – especially his good nature and good counsel,” said Foy.
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For more information contact:
Joe Foy, Wilderness Committee National Campaign Director –(604) 683-8220 (office); (604) 880-2580 (cell)
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