Those of you here today who suggest that regulation is primarily a barrier are ignoring vital realities. This enhances productivity and makes companies more competitive, not less. Regulation drives innovation. And the voluntary measures, so favoured by some in the industry, do not provide adequate safeguards for the public or certainty for the industry. And studies show that without regulations industry will not meet environmental standards.
Loose laws lead to bad actors which lead to greater uncertainty for all.
We are moving into an era where clean water is more precious than gold. Companies that underestimate this fact will be do so at their own peril, and that of their shareholders. On the flip side there is obviously a competitive advantage for those proactive companies not fighting environmental battles. A Viewpoints research poll conducted for BC Spaces for Nature in May 1996 showed that British Columbians place a very high value on a clean and safe environment. But, unfortunately, the industry is increasingly seen as a prime obstacle to completion of the protected areas system throughout Canada.