OK Regional District cuts to environment programs short-sighted

VANCOUVER, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen's decision to eliminate an air quality co-ordinator and an environmental planner is short-sighted, according to the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU), which represents workers at the district.

"Given the importance of the environment to all of us, especially in the Okanagan, this plan seems to fall short of the level of environmental monitoring that we expect," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president.

"In fact, air quality was identified in importance second only to fire services in a citizen's survey," said Walker. "If that's the case, why the decision to eliminate these jobs? These positions were the only positions specific to the environment at the district."

Residents of Penticton and other areas have expressed concerns over the cuts, with a number of Letters to the Editor expressing concern over the decision.

The staff whose jobs have been eliminated are entitled to some severance.

"We are assisting where we can, but the best assistance would be for the district to re-hire these two staff," said Walker.

The BCGEU represents 65 staff at the district.

For further information:

Brian Gardiner, BCGEU Communications [phone]