MEMORADUM OF ITET
REGARDIG OILED BIRD REHABILITATIO I
BRITISH COLUMBIA .
July 1996
FOREWORD
This Memorandum of Intent (MoI) is between Environment Canada (EC), the British Columbia
Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks (BCMELP) and the British Columbia Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA). EC has legislated authority and responsibility for
the protection of migratory birds in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act
(MBCA). BCMELP has legislated authority and responsibility for the protection of all native
birds in British Columbia under the British Columbia Wildlife Act (BCW A).
EC and BCMELP recognize BCSPCA as the lead non-government organization regarding oiled
bird rehabilitation throughout British Columbia.
1.0 PURPOSE
1.1 This MoI is intended to facilitate oiled bird rehabilitation operations which result from
significant oil spills. This MoI is not intended for situations involving routine oiled bird
rehabilitation or chemical spill response activities.
1.2 This MoI has been developed to ensure that EC or BCMELP will fund approved bird
rehabilitation operations so as to not delay response when:
a) the responsible party is unknown, unwilling or unable to fund such operations; or
b) funding is not forthcoming from the Lead Government Agency as defined by law, mutual
agreement or precedent.
1.3 This MoI has been developed in accordance with the "Polluter Pays Principle". EC and
BCMELP will seek recovery from the responsible party for expenses incurred for approved bird
rehabilitation operations.
2.0 GOVERMET COMMITMETS
2.1 EC will be the government lead for bird rehabilitation during incidents primarily impacting
migratory birds as defined by the MBCA. During these incidents, EC will provide an authorized
contact person, who upon concurrence with the BCSPCA, will be entitled to invoke the MoI.
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2.2 BCMELP will be the government lead for bird rehabilitation during incidents primarily
impacting native birds not covered by the MBCA. During these incidents, BCMELP will
provide an authorized contact person, who upon concurrence with the BCSPCA, will be entitled
to invoke the MoI. .
2.3 EC and BCMELP, subject to the provisions of applicable legislation, will issue required
permits for the capture and treatment of oiled birds to BCSPCA and other wildlife rescue
organizations (WROs) specified in Regional Action Plans (RAPs).
2.4 EC and BCMELP will coordinate the establishment of equipment and materials required to
initiate work at regional rehabilitation facilities in accordance with RAPs. All materials purchased
by EC or BCMELP remain their respective property .
2.5 EC and BCMELP will provide guidelines to the BCSPCA regarding financial and
environmental damage documentation requirements.
2.6 EC and BCMELP will provide BCSPCA lists of endangered, threatened or at risk bird species
in British Columbia to receive priority treatment during rescue and rehabilitation.
2.7 When the MoI has been invoked, EC or BCMELP will, subject to funds being available,
arrange or provide funding for:
a) goods and services required to implement a RAP; and
b) financial compensation for professional services afforded by BCSPCA and other authorized
WRO employees, PRORA TED AT THEIR REGULAR W AGE, while implementing a RAP .
2.8 EC and BCMELP will work cooperatively with the BCSPCA to develop training and
rehabilitation standards and training courses for WROs.
3.0 BCSPCA COMMITMETS
3.1 The BCSPCA accepts the designation as lead non-government organization regarding oiled
bird rehabilitation in BC and agrees to work in conjunction with and lead other authorized
WROs. The BCSPCA will organize and coordinate oiled bird rescue and rehabilitation
throughout Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and other areas as agreed and communicated to
EC and BCMELP.
3.2 Contingent upon funds being made available, the BCSPCA will develop RAPs in consultation
with WROs and provide copies of each to EC and BCMELP. The RAPs will identify competent
regional WROs and will detail various strategies and operational requirements for a range of spill
scenarios.
3.3 Contingent upon funds being made available, the BCSPCA, in conjunction with EC and
BCMELP, will develop standards and training packages for bird recovery and rehabilita9on
techniques and worker safety .The BCSPCA will ensure that all WROs identified in RAPs are
trained and certified to these standards.
3.4 The BCSPCA will be responsible for storage and maintenance of that equipment which is
kept at BCSPCA facilities.
3.5 The BCSPCA will prepare financial and environmental damage documentation in accordance
with guidelines provided by EC and BCMELP .
3.6 EC, BCMELP and BCSPCA will appoint media spokespersons to provide comments on
appropriate issues.
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3.7 The BCSPCA will not make any expenditures (for which they expect reimbursement) during
the implementation of a RAP without receiving the prior approval of EC or BCMELP .
4.0 TERMS AD CODITIOS
4.1 The signatures of authorized representatives from the parties to this agreement indicates
acceptance of the preceding commitments.
4.2 The signatories of this MoI may withdraw three months following their written notice of this
intention to the other signatories.
ORIGIAL SIGED 26 AUG/96
___________________________________________________
Albert D. Hickey,
Chief Executive Officer,
B.C. Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals
Date
ORIGIAL SIGED 18 AUG/96
___________________________________________________
John Allan
Deputy Minister,
BC Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks
Date
ORIGIAL SIGED 15 AUG/96
___________________________________________________
Vic Niemela,
Regional Director,
Environmental Protection Branch,
Pacific & Yukon Region,
Environment Canada
Date
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