I can joyfully report that the CRD Board of Directors has unaminously carried the motion by Mike Hicks, Sooke to appeal to the federal government to guarantee a full recreational season from Feb 1 - Dec 31 - in years of low abundance with 1 per day and 2 poss. and in "normal" years at 2/3. DFO should buy or lease the quota to make this happen.
While I personally would have like to go even further to attack the source of this issue and make it fair for good I am pleasantly surprised how fired up our local government reps were at this issue. Everybody was not only in favour of Hick's motion but their speeches clearly showed that they DO comprehend the economic value and importance of the sportfishing sector to our communities and province. All directors and MLA's who chose to speak to this topic acknowledged the overwhelming demand that they have seen recently amongs their constituents to act on their behalf. Not only that, many stated their personal believe and interest in a vibrant recreational fishery and several stated that they will not allow to be treated like the East Coast and that the West Coast will not allow a total privatization of a public resource. Lots of emotions with many speakers and overall it appears that we have full support and understanding from the CRD Directors and many MLA's. They vowed to carry this to Ottawa and some stated to carry the plead to various other political provincial platforms. Guys, I think the West Coast could see something amazing happening! Local politicians and the people see a common goal.
Thanks to the 30+ guys who came out and showed them that we are serious and to support Mike Hicks in his unusual approach outside his normal jurisdiction.
While I personally would have like to go even further to attack the source of this issue and make it fair for good I am pleasantly surprised how fired up our local government reps were at this issue. Everybody was not only in favour of Hick's motion but their speeches clearly showed that they DO comprehend the economic value and importance of the sportfishing sector to our communities and province. All directors and MLA's who chose to speak to this topic acknowledged the overwhelming demand that they have seen recently amongs their constituents to act on their behalf. Not only that, many stated their personal believe and interest in a vibrant recreational fishery and several stated that they will not allow to be treated like the East Coast and that the West Coast will not allow a total privatization of a public resource. Lots of emotions with many speakers and overall it appears that we have full support and understanding from the CRD Directors and many MLA's. They vowed to carry this to Ottawa and some stated to carry the plead to various other political provincial platforms. Guys, I think the West Coast could see something amazing happening! Local politicians and the people see a common goal.
Thanks to the 30+ guys who came out and showed them that we are serious and to support Mike Hicks in his unusual approach outside his normal jurisdiction.
