The swearing in of new conservation officers on the steps of the B.C. legislature demonstrates a commitment by the B.C. government to increase protection for our natural environment, the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) said today.

"The B.C. government's commitment to hire new conservation officers is good news that will ensure higher levels of compliance and enforcement with a positive impact on our environment and the economy," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Our environment and natural resource sector continues to need significant new investment to reverse the decades-long erosion of services."

The 20 new conservation officers will begin training at the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy in May 2018 and upon graduation will be deployed around the province. 

The new recruits will fill new and vacant positions and areas where retirements are expected. The hiring will bring the total number of employees with conservation officer designation to 160 province-wide.

• Click to see more swearing-in photos on the BCGEU Flikr site

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