To The Editor:

Proponents of a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen are clearly ruffled to be shut out of direct influence on the committee reviewing the submissions to the Province’s “Protected Areas Framework”.  Doreen Olson – the self-appointed spokesperson for anyone who thinks the national park is a good idea – has once again taken to enlisting radio and print media across Canada.

Park proponents continue to imply they represent “the community”.  Many park proponents – including rancher Ace Elkink, the Osoyoos Indian Band, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band and anyone who could financially benefit from creating a national park  – are in a Conflict-Of-Interest.  I would ask that in the future, anyone who publically states they are in favour of a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen be sufficiently forthcoming to state whether they are in a Conflict-Of-Interest and what that conflict is.  Dictionary.com defines Conflict-Of-Interest as:  “the circumstance of a public officeholder, business executive, or the like, whose personal interests might benefit from his or her official actions or influence”.

I have no vested interest in the area that may ultimately be more protected than it already 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