The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union joins in acknowledging and celebrating Conservation Officer Day in British Columbia, November 4.

In 2015, on the 110th Anniversary of the BC Conservation Officer Service, the B.C. government proclaimed November 4 as Conservation Officer Day, “in recognition of the important work done by B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service to protect the environment and ensure both human and wildlife safety.”

When the service was formed in 1905, the officers were mostly volunteers. Today’s conservation officer service is staffed with highly skilled natural law enforcement professionals who are deputized under the Police Act.

Conservation officers conduct investigations and engage in enforcement of provincial and federal statutes. They respond to human/wildlife conflicts, and provide outreach and education services to the public.

“B.C. Conservation Officers provide a valuable service to British Columbians, protecting public safety and ensuring that wildlife are managed humanely,” says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. “They defend the province’s natural environment and raise public awareness to avoid human-wildlife conflicts. Their work is sometimes dangerous and we thank them for their public service.”