Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound
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As we approach the federal election, it’s crucial to discuss the future of Baynes Sound, a vital ecosystem and economic cornerstone of the Comox Valley. Did you know that Baynes Sound supports one-third of BC’s herring and over half of BC’s shellfish harvest? Its health is essential for our local economy and environmental balance.
We’ve reached out to Conservative candidate Kris McNichol and Liberal candidate Brian Cameron regarding their plans to safeguard Baynes Sound, but have yet to receive a response. In contrast, Gord Johns has been a strong advocate for Canada’s adoption of international shipbreaking regulations, crucial for protecting our coastal waters.
It’s time for an official response from Brian Cameron For Courtenay-Alberni and Kris McNichol. Where do you stand on protecting Baynes Sound and ensuring its sustainability for future generations? Do you advocate for Canada’s adoption of international shipbreaking regulations? NGO Shipbreaking Platform
Mr Gord John’s response here: Gord Johns for Courtenay-Alberni
“As a Member of Parliament, Gord has risen on the floor of the House of Commons to discuss ship breaking in Union Bay on 23 occasions. Gord also introduced M-68, a motion to develop federal standards in Canada to regulate ship breaking in response to the activities in Union Bay. This motion received bipartisan support, with Elizabeth May of the Green Party joining to second the move.
Gord has met with the Fisheries Minister on multiple occasions in order to specifically advocate for Canada to abide by the EU Ship Recycling Regulations, which are more strict and therefore preferable to the Hong Kong Convention.
Gord takes pride in his role as a coastal protector, and has taken additional measures to safeguard the ecologically-sensitive region of Baynes Sound. For example, Gord gained unanimous support in the House of Commons for the development of a national oceanic plastics strategy, leading to the ban on single-use plastics and funding for coastal clean-up and education. Additionally, Gord secured the creation of the Ghost Gear Fishing Fund, which supports local environmental organizations in removing derelict fishing gear from sensitive coastal areas. Unfortunately, in the most recent budget, the Liberals decided to unilaterally remove this funding.
Gord has spoken more on wild salmon protection and habitat restoration in the House of Commons than any other Member of Parliament in Canadian history.
Gord was successful in lowering the annual commercial herring fishing haul by 50% in order to preserve Baynes Sound’s unique ecosystem.
There is more that needs to be done in order to ensure that ship breaking in Canada only occurs in regulated, contained manners and with the support of local communities. Gord has pledged to continue pushing the federal government to take action on ship breaking, including the implementation of EU-style regulations and restrictions on dangerous foreign vessels being brought into Canada for dismantling, if he is re-elected.”
#protectbaynessound#comoxvalley #FederalElection2025#shipping#EnvironmentalProtection#economicdevelopment#bcshellfish
Liberal Party of Canada | Parti libéral du CanadaConservative Party of Canada – Parti conservateur du CanadaCanada’s NDP / Le NPD du CanadaBC Green supportersGord Johns for Courtenay-AlberniBrian Cameron For Courtenay-AlberniKris McNicholComox Valley Chamber of CommerceFisheries and Oceans CanadaEnvironment and Climate ChangeTransport Canada
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