News

Savoie concerned about job losses and impact on coastal safety

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OTTAWA – The news that three coastal patrol vessels at CFB Esquimalt will be taken out of service came as a shock to the residents of Esquimalt and Victoria, says New Democrat MP Denise Savoie.

“The men and women serving aboard these ships are members of our communities, and I am very concerned about how the announced reductions may affect them,” said Savoie, “Given their dedicated service to all of us, they deserve better than this.”

Courier-Islander (Campbell River)
Fri May 7 2010

The mantra of the anti-salmon-farm movement was chalked on the steps of Parliament Hill Wednesday by a B.C. Grade 10 student.

Thea Block wrote "Salmon Are Sacred" to celebrate NDP fisheries critic Fin Donnelly's introduction of a private member's bill requiring B.C. fish farms to move to closed pens.

By Judith Lavoie
The Times Colonist

The mantra of the anti-salmon-farm movement was chalked on the steps of Parliament Hill yesterday by a Grade 10 student from Glenlyon Norfolk School.
Thea Block wrote "Salmon Are Sacred" to celebrate NDP fisheries critic Fin Donnelly's introduction of a private member's bill requiring B.C. fish farms to move to closed pens.
The bill was inspired by Block, who won a contest last year when Victoria MP Denise Savoie asked high school students to submit proposals for legislation.

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Idea for bill came from Victoria student

OTTAWA – Today, New Democrat Fisheries and Oceans Critic Fin Donnelly (New Westminster-Coquitlam) moved to protect British Columbia’s wild salmon by strengthening the Fisheries Act to require fish farms operating on BC's coast to make the transition to closed containment systems.

May 4th, 2010 marks 100 years since the creation of the Department of the Naval Service. For the last century Canadian Naval Forces have protected our coasts and served Canada internationally.

The Centennial Celebrations in Victoria, Halifax and Ottawa today mark the beginning of this year of recognition of the Navy.

The Navy has a long history in Victoria and has contributed greatly to our community. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the courageous men and women who have dedicated their lives to the safety of our country.

By Roszan Holmen
Victoria News

After investigating potential effects of a proposed marina to the water, air, vegetation and wildlife of Victoria harbour, the federal government concludes the project can proceed.
“The project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects,” concludes the report by Transpot Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The green light comes with the caveat, however, of a few dozen measures mandated to prevent or limit negative consequences.

By Carla Wilson
The Times Colonist

The federal government says the proposed $20-million mega-yacht marina in Victoria Harbour will not harm the environment.
Ottawa's green light late yesterday on its environmental assessment is a major step forward for developers seeking approvals from three levels of government to build the 52-slip marina on a 2.63-hectare provincial water in front of Songhees.
But there is still plenty of fight among marina opponents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcHFTkMKgg8

ANewsVanIsland — VICTORIA - They might as well be the winds of change blowing through the Songhees Friday. The majestic slice of the capital's harbour is one step closer to a transformation into the Victoria International Marina after Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans ruled the project will not adversely affect the environment.

Mr. Speaker, for 20 years, Barry Hobbis has operated the Victoria Harbour Ferry. Few are better qualified than him to assess the threat to safety of a proposed mega-marina in Victoria's Inner Harbour. He sounded the alarm and he is not alone.

Paddlers, harbour ferries show how far facility will extend on water
By Louise Dickson
Victoria Times Colonist

Boaters outline fill an area that they believe will be taken up by a proposed marina.
Photograph by: Debra Brash, Times Colonist
Duncan McDonald says when he saw the yellow balloons floating above the Songhees walkway Saturday, he realized how much of Victoria’s picturesque harbour would be taken over by a proposed $20-million marina.