Press Releases

Today, Fin Donnelly, Member of Parliament for New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody and NDP Fisheries and Oceans critic re-introduced his bill, seconded by Nathan Cullen, MP Skeena-Bulkley Valley, to permanently ban oil supertanker traffic off BC’s north coast.

New Democrat legislation would protect ecosystem and economies of coastal communities

Today, on World Oceans Day, Canada’s New Democrats call on the federal government to respect the majority wishes of British Columbians by immediately legislating an oil tanker ban off BC’s north coast.

“A minor oil spill off BC’s north coast would devastate the ecosystem, the fishery and coastal communities,” said New Democrat Fisheries and Oceans Critic Fin Donnelly. “That why it’s time to introduce legislation to permanently ban tanker traffic.”

Today, Jack Layton, Leader of the Official Opposition, appointed the new NDP shadow cabinet, naming New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody Member of Parliament, Fin Donnelly, as Fisheries and Oceans critic.

“It is an honour to serve as Fisheries and Oceans critic for Canada’s Official Opposition,” said Donnelly. “There are many challenges facing our coasts and coastal communities. I plan on working hard to address these issues by advocating for sustainable fisheries policies and promoting stewardship of our ocean and fresh water resources.”

OTTAWA- Today, New Democrat Fisheries and Oceans critic, Fin Donnelly, presented over 9000 signatures in the House of Commons requesting the federal government take action against open-net fish farms in British Columbia.

“Thousands of British Columbians signed a petition at their local farmers markets, community festivals, or on their doorstep,” said Donnelly. “Along with the tremendous feedback from my postcard campaign, it is clear that the Minister has a responsibility to the people of BC and across the country to adopt my bill and protect wild salmon.”

Ottawa - New Democrat Fisheries and Oceans critic Fin Donnelly tabled a motion in the House of Commons that would require the government to provide greater clarity on the risks of genetically modified salmon.

“Canadians are concerned that the federal government is moving ahead with permitting genetically modified salmon for human consumption” said Donnelly. “The public has a right to know if this is really happening and to know of any risks connected to human health, and of potential impact on the fishery, marine species, habitat and ecosystems.”

Bill C-474 is defeated by 178 to 98

New Democrat Agriculture Critic, Alex Atamanenko MP (BC Southern Interior) chastised the Harper Conservatives and their Liberal counterparts for defeating his GMO bill in the House of Commons tonight.

“Once again we see these two parties putting the interests of their big business buddies ahead of everyday farmers whose livelihoods can be destroyed in an instant from contamination by genetically engineered (GE) seeds and crops.”

New Democrats broker deal to keep landmark bill alive

OTTAWA – AgriMarine, an innovative West Coast company specializing in sustainable aquaculture, announced yesterday that they have installed the first of four floating, commercial-scale closed containment salmon farming tanks.

OTTAWA- British Columbia is one step closer to having a full legislative ban on supertankers operating off the northern coast after an NDP call for government action passed the House of Commons 143 to 138.

“For years the people of British Columbia and concerned Canadians have been calling on the Federal government to protect their coast from the risk posed by oil tankers,” said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton. “Now the government has clear direction from this House to move forward and bring in this much needed legislation.”