Press Releases

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.

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.

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.

OTTAWA – NDP West Coast Fisheries Critic Fin Donnelly moved a motion today at the Standing Committee on Fisheries & Oceans calling for a study on the impacts of the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station.

“There are serious questions about the increase of Coast Guard response times since the closure of the Kitsilano station,” said Donnelly. “There’s a clear need for further study on the consequences of closing the station.”

VANCOUVER – New Democrats are criticizing today’s sudden closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station, one of the busiest stations in Canada, saying that the move puts lives at risk.

"What could be more important in the role of government than the protection of human lives," asked NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. “The Conservative government's decision to cut an essential service that saves lives demonstrates their reckless arrogance."

OTTAWA – NDP deputy Fisheries and Oceans critic Fin Donnelly (New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody) is pleased to see his bill prohibiting the import of shark fins up for second reading today.

“The illegal practice of shark finning is causing a rapid decline in shark populations around the world and negatively affecting marine ecosystems,” said Donnelly. “Bill C-380 is a prime opportunity for the Canadian government to take a leadership role and adopt legislation that will stop the import of fins from endangered sharks into Canada and promote strong international ocean stewardship.”

OTTAWA – After a busy month in the riding, which included presenting 30 Diamond Jubilee medals to outstanding local recipients, Fin Donnelly, MP (New Westminster-Coquitlam & Port Moody) returned to Ottawa to begin a new session of Parliament.

“This Conservative government has been ignoring the priorities of Canadians for too long,” said Donnelly. “New Democrats are listening and are committed to building a fairer, greener, more prosperous country.”