Who do they represent?

Proponents of a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen have launched a media campaign to express their disappointment at being shut out of direct influence on the committee reviewing the submissions to the province’s Protected Areas Framework.

They continue to claim they represent the community.

However, many park proponents who could financially benefit from creating a national park are in a conflict of interest.

I would ask that, in the future, anyone who publicly states they are in favour of a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen state whether they are in a conflict of interest and what that conflict is.

I have no vested interest in the area that may ultimately be more protected than it now is, whether that protection is at the provincial or federal level.

My only interest is not to bite off our nose to spite our face.

Imposing a national park could well cripple the economy in the South Okanagan and South Similkameen.

ARLENE ARLOW Keremeos