Letters to the Editor

Thursday 14 June 2012

Bill C-38 protests continue at Minister for Fisheries and Oceans office in Fredericton

Minister was unavailable to meet group

Photo by Amelia Secord
FREDERICTON - Representatives from different organizations including conservation, fisheries and labour brought their concerns with Budget Bill C-38 to the office door of Fisheries and Oceans Minister and Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield today. The impacts of Bill C-38 to fish, marine ecosystems, fisheries, workers and public safety were highlighted.

"Bill C-38 tears apart Canada's system of environmental protection, which was built up over decades by both former Conservative and Liberal governments. In my opinion this contravenes Article 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement where Canada, the US and Mexico explicitly agreed not to relax environmental regulations as a means to attract investment," said David Coon, Executive Director of CCNB Action.

Matthew Abbott, Fundy Baykeeper, pointed out that, “It is absurd to suggest that we can protect fish without protecting their habitat. The changes proposed in the budget bill demonstrate a lack of understanding of basic ecological principles.” Also, in light of the ongoing cuts to environmental science, including those assessing the impacts of pesticides and contaminants, Abbott further noted that, "At the same time that our government is eliminating and weakening key environmental protections they are removing the very scientists best equipped to assess the impacts of these changes. Choosing not to look will not make the impact of these changes any less real.”

Sheena Young, Fundy North Fishermen's Association, spoke on Bill C-38's impact to the lobster fisheries of Fundy North. Janice Harvey, Green Party Fisheries Critic, spoke on how Bill C-38 proposes to gut marine ecosystem monitoring and science when there is a five-fold decrease in phytoplankton in the Gulf of Maine. Dave Shaw, Public Service Alliance of Canada, spoke on how Bill Bill C-38 is laying off government workers and threatening public services and public safety.

"This approach by the Conservative government is wrong-headed and citizens are standing up against it," said NDP Fisheries and Oceans Critic, Robert Chisholm (Dartmouth-Cole Harbour). "They are making sweeping and inappropriate changes to environmental protection, including to the Fisheries Act in the budget document, essentially stifling debate on the subject. The Conservatives are showing their contempt for Atlantic Canada and our coastal communities."

Photo by Amelia Secord
Today's action is the third show of opposition against Bill C-38 at Ashfield's office in the month of June. On Saturday, June 2nd, concerned citizens protested against Bill C-38 and on World Oceans Day, June 8th, ForestEthics Advocacy plastered fish decorated with impassioned pleas on Ashfield's office. The pleas, from people across the country, called on Ashfield to protect fish habitat and coastal and marine ecosystems.

15 comments:

  1. I'm curious to find out what blog system you're utilizing?
    I'm experiencing some minor security issues with my latest site and I would like to find something more safe. Do you have any solutions?

    My web page :: best diet Plan

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn.
    This is a very well written article. I'll make sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog akribos xxiv for women

    ReplyDelete
  3. What's up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due to this good article.

    my homepage Vestal watches

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established
    blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog?
    I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about making
    my own but I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it

    My weblog ... Data Recovery Crack

    ReplyDelete
  5. Heya! This is the fourth time visiting now and I just wanted to say
    I truley enjoy looking through your blog website.
    I have decided to bookmark it at reddit.com with the title:
    Blogger: The Purple Violet Press and your Website address: http://www.
    blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3652512767114243466&postID=443746709681176183.

    I hope this is okay with you, I'm attempting to give your great blog a bit more coverage. Be back shortly.

    Also visit my site - http://www.jhohans.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your blog seems to be having some compatibilty issues in my safari browser.
    The content appears to be running off the page pretty bad.

    If you want you can email me at: deannelacroix@googlemail.com and I
    will shoot you over a screenshot of the problem.


    Also visit my webpage ... Seagate Hard Drive

    ReplyDelete
  7. Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
    It's on a totally different topic but it has pretty
    much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!


    My page :: รับทำ seo

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have your concerns, youre trying to spend less money, consider updating
    your front porch. This can include a new design and
    layout of a kitchen. The housing slump is affecting home remodeling
    contractors and the home improvement job, your health and safety skin care and vitamins may
    be covered.

    My web page - nerium review

    ReplyDelete
  9. Currently it looks like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform
    out there right now. (from what I've read) Is that what you
    are using on your blog?

    My web-site - plumbers Avondale

    ReplyDelete
  10. Rumors have it that he's considering leaving the church.

    getting certified. Quite a few, but it all boils down to the personality
    of the hypnotist.

    Here is my blog post :: covert hypnosis

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about clinical negligence
    definition. Regards

    My blog; no win no fee medical solicitors

    ReplyDelete
  12. We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with useful info to work on. You have done a formidable activity and our whole community shall be grateful to you.



    Also visit my webpage ... lawn dressing for sale johannesburg

    ReplyDelete
  13. We offer loans to Individuals, commercial and private organizations that want to start up or expand their businesses, at an interest rate of 3% and amount ranging from $5,000 up to of $10 Million. Our loan service is available for local and international borrower's. We are certified, trustworthy, reliable, efficient, fast and dynamic and co - operate. we give out long term loan from two to 30 years maximum. Contact us through email: zionloanfirm.ltd@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. watch online indian dramas full episodes hd..
    Qurbaan Hua
    molkki

    ReplyDelete