News

By BEA VONGDOUANGCHANH |
Published: Monday, 05/06/2013 12:00 am EDT

By Mario Bartel - New Westminster News Leader
Published: April 23, 2013 9:00 AM

Fin Donnelly almost didn’t get into the water on the second day of his first swim down the Fraser River in 1995.

He was frozen and exhausted; how could he do it all again tomorrow, he thought.

But after getting some sleep he pulled his wetsuit on the next morning and slipped back into the river to continue the daily swimming marathon that would take him to the river’s mouth three weeks later.

OTTAWA – NDP Deputy Critic for Fisheries (West Coast), Fin Donnelly (New Westminster-Coquitlam & Port Moody), is disappointed his private member’s bill to ban the import of shark fins to Canada didn’t pass the second reading vote.

“One hundred million sharks are killed each year to support the wasteful, unsustainable and often illegal trade of their fins. This is having a devastating impact on shark populations and a negative impact on ocean ecosystems,” said Donnelly.

On behalf of Canada’s New Democrats I extend my best wishes to all celebrating Holi, the festival of colours.

Across Canada and the world, Holi marks the joyous celebration of bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring as a period of renewal and optimism.

As children and families celebrate Holi with bonfires, throwing of coloured powder and large festive gatherings, New Democrats wish peace, health and happiness to all today, and throughout the year ahead.

Happy Holi!

OTTAWA – NDP Fisheries and Oceans deputy critic Fin Donnelly (New Westminster-Coquitlam) is optimistic ahead of the second reading vote on his private member’s bill to ban the importation of shark fins to Canada.

“100 million sharks are killed each year to support the wasteful, unsustainable and often illegal trade of their fins. This is having a devastating impact on shark populations and a negative impact on ocean ecosystems,” said Donnelly. “Canadians want Parliament to take immediate action. I’m hopeful MPs will vote to send my bill to committee.”

The NDP is raising concern about new cuts to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans budget outlined in the 2013 budget. The $108 million to be slashed is in addition to the deep cuts already announced last year. All told, the department's budget will be cut by $442 million by 2018.

In our community, hundreds of people with disabilities are still uncertain about whether they are eligible for important tax credits; tax credits which could result in a significant refund. My office wants to make sure that every eligible resident in our community knows how to access this tax refund. To that end, we are off offerring workshops to assist people in taking advantage of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The DTC can be claimed retroactively for up to 10 years.

OTTAWA – The Conservative budget doesn’t deliver results for people here in the Lower Mainland, according to local Members of Parliament Kennedy Stewart (Burnaby—Douglas), Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster), and Fin Donnelly (New Westminster—Coquitlam & Port Moody).

“I’m disappointed by the Conservatives’ choice to implement an austerity budget that will not get us out of these tough economic times or help ease exorbitant costs of living in the Lower Mainland,” said Stewart.

On behalf of Canada’s New Democrats I extend best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
Nowruz marks the beginning of spring, a period of rebirth, renewal and optimism.

I wish you peace, health and happiness during this time of celebration and throughout the coming months.

Happy New Year!
Eid-e shoma mobarak !!

OTTAWA – NDP West Coast Fisheries & Oceans critic, Fin Donnelly (New Westminster–Coquitlam), tabled a motion today, urging the federal government to designate March 18 as National Sustainable Seafood Day.

“National Sustainable Seafood Day would encourage Canadians to choose eco-certified seafood products. This day would also support our growing sustainable seafood industry and promote sustainable fishing practices,” said Donnelly.