Standing Up for the Coast means Funding the Coast!

We need your help to encourage the BC Government to invest in the Coastal Marine Strategy to ensure its timely implementation.

Right now, the BC Government is consulting with people across the province on next year’s provincial budget. With the anniversary of the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy’s release coming up next month, this is a key opportunity to keep the momentum going.

Update* We thank everyone who sent a letter, but we learned that the process is different this year. The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is receiving recommendations via its online portal. This requires a few extra steps, but we have outlined them below to help you through the process. Thank you for taking the extra time to ensure your voice is heard!

Step 1: Visit the Consultation Portal for BC Budget: https://consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca/consultations/40

Step 2: Create an account (or log in if you have one already)
*Note if creating a new account, it may take a few moments for the confirmation email to come through. Make a tea or grab a snack while you wait!

Step 3: Choose to send feedback to The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, then submit your feedback! Below we have drafted some language you can use in your submission. We highly recommend personalizing it for a greater impact!

Submissions are due by June 20th at 2:00 pm (PST)

Recommendation 1: Funding is needed to enable the provincial government to implement the long-term, sustainable programs and policies that will be finalized with the implementation of the Coastal Marine Strategy.

Explanation 1: Today, I’m asking that you invest in the health of coastal ecosystems and communities by allocating funds toward the implementation of the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy. Coastal marine ecosystems are facing mounting pressure from the ongoing impacts of climate change and coastal development. In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming decline in Wild Pacific salmon, a reduction in nearshore habitat, and a widespread loss of intertidal species during extreme heat events. These disruptions are pushing coastal ecosystems out of balance, with profound consequences for the communities and economies that depend on them.

Recommendation 2: Funding is needed to support the capacity for Indigenous Nations to participate in the co-development and implementation of the Coastal Marine Strategy and to ensure that coastal stakeholders and communities receive adequate opportunities to participate in the co-development and implementation too.

Explanation 2: Now is a pivotal time to implement the Coastal Marine Strategy, as British Columbians are struggling through unprecedented high costs of living and economic turmoil. We know that ocean-based activities contribute significantly to BC’s GDP and employ thousands of people with full-time and part-time work.  Coastal communities also depend on a healthy, thriving ocean for food security, recreation, culture, and spiritual connection. A healthy coastline helps these communities reduce and adapt to the impacts of climate change by absorbing waves, reducing erosion, and providing refuge for wildlife. Ultimately, when the ocean thrives, so do we.

If you have anything else you’d like to recommend to the government during the BC Budget Consultations, you are welcome to use the space provided for a third recommendation in the submission form.

For additional information about the consultation process, please visit the Budget 2026 webpage – Click Here