TODAY’S SALMON ANNOUNCEMENT SHOWS FIN DONNELLY GETS RESULTS

NDP candidate made salmon a key by-election issue, says Layton

OTTAWA – Today’s announcement of a judicial inquiry into the collapse of wild salmon stocks shows that NDP candidate Fin Donnelly is having an impact even before he gets elected, says NDP leader Jack Layton.

Layton noted that Donnelly and NDP west coast fisheries critic Peter Julian called for such an inquiry on Oct. 23. The call was backed by scientists and conservation groups, and the New Democrats have collected hundreds of petition signatures to support the inquiry.

At first the Conservatives opposed the call. Diana Dilworth, the Conservative candidate in the New Westminster-Coquitlam by-election, said on an Oct. 26 radio debate “I’ve heard that one of the parties is asking for a judicial inquiry and I don’t think this is a time to look at an inquisition and pointing fingers.”

Donnelly said he is pleased the Conservative government finally agreed to the inquiry.

“The Conservatives promised an inquiry in 2006, but sat on their hands until now,” said Donnelly. “Today’s announcement shows that public pressure can work. As a Member of Parliament I will keep up the pressure for urgent action to save our wild salmon.”

Layton, who is campaigning with Donnelly today and tomorrow, said the announcement demonstrates that Donnelly will be an effective MP. “To get results like this even before he’s elected is a remarkable achievement,” he said.

The by-election for New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody takes place Nov. 9.

-30-

To arrange an interview with Jack Layton or Fin Donnelly, please call Glen Sanford at 778.397.1540