FISHERIES AND OCEANS FUNDED

Editor:

I want to set the record straight on a number of misleading statements in the media that claim there have been cuts to core Department of Fisheries and Oceans programs here in British Columbia and across the country. The department's supplementary estimates, which were released this week, show the complete picture.
Under Canada's New Government overall funding for the department has actually increased – not decreased.
When I arrived at DFO, it is an understatement to say that the financial situation was challenging. Years of cutbacks threatened core activities.
Canada's New Government increased the annual budget of DFO by $99 million. That's new money that will be there every year to help ensure our scientists, fishery officers and the brave men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard have the resources necessary to do their jobs.
I increased the number of fishery officers from 162 to 176 when the previous government had planned to cut them.
We added twelve new habitat monitor positions allowing our enforcement people to focus on their work on the Fraser and in Pacific coastal areas, when the Liberal government planned to do nothing.
This positive trend is emerging across the country. In addition to progress here on the west coast, we've also deployed a total of twenty-seven fishery officer recruits across the Atlantic provinces. This is the first significant recruitment of fishery officers since 2003 and I am proud to say that further recruitment and training is planned for 2007.
We've begun beefing up our science capacity, investing an additional $15.5 million this year alone.
Protecting our fisheries is a responsibility I take very seriously. While it is fair for opposition members and environmental groups to offer criticism of our efforts, any claims of budget cuts are completely false. I encourage people to look at the facts.

Loyola Hea

Minister of Fisheries & Oceans, Ottawa

— (OSOYOOS TIMES — Nov. 8, 2006)

[b]KEEP POWER PLANT CLEAN[/b]

Editor:

The BC government has begun an advertising campaign, telling us that we must find new electrical energy sources because we use more power than we produce. The same government has emasculated BC Hydro and turned power generation over to the private sector.
This is the result of an ideologically driven agenda that transcends common sense. They are adamant that free enterprise must prevail and to that end are in the process of selling and/or giving away to international corporations all of the assets that belong to the people of this province. The results of this government's ideologically driven agenda are soon to be felt by the residents of the Similkameen Valley in the form of a toxic haze.
Most of us semi-literates have read and understand the letters in support of Compliance Energy, where the protagonists feign scientific knowledge, enticing residents with jobs and pooh-poohing letters in favour of clean air as having been penned by nincompoops.
Meanwhile in Saskatchewan, a publicly owned corporation is building a non-polluting coal-fired electrical-generation plant. Unlike the proposed Princeton operation, this plant does not pollute the air because the contaminants are returned to the soil “ more expensive power, maybe “ but also more jobs and cleaner air.
Let's ask Compliance Energy if they can meet or beat the Saskatchewan initiative “ and we want proof before we, the residents of this area, also become compliant.

H.P. ToewsrnPrinceton, B.C.

— (OSOYOOS TIMES — Nov. 8, 2006)

[b]SPLASH PARK NEEDS SUPPORT[/b]

Editor:

The Osoyoos Splash Park Committee would again like to extend our thanks to all of the community groups and individuals that continue to show support for a water park in Osoyoos.
Being awarded the Osoyoos Credit Union's 60th Anniversary grant and receiving charitable donations from other community groups including the Osoyoos Can Am golf tournament, Ironman, South Okanagan Concrete and the Royal Purple is certainly helping to get this project underway.
Other communities in the Okanagan have already installed water parks, and are reaping the benefits that a water park can have on an area, including: revitalization of existing parks, a fun, safe, accessible outdoor spot for all family members to play together, and a draw for tourists, which also benefits local businesses.
Penticton has two water parks, OK Falls is planning for a water park, and Oliver installed one this summer. Even northern communities such as Fraser Lake and Whitehorse have water parks.
A spokesperson for the Oliver splash park stated that there was an immediate positive impact in Oliver, as well as greater attendance at the park. Local schools and daycare centres also used the water park for field trips continuing into September. Birthday parties were planned at Oliver's water park.
If Oliver noticed such positive changes in such a short period of time (their water park was only open for two months this summer), imagine the positive effect for Osoyoos.
The grant money generously donated by the Osoyoos Credit Union needs to be put to use by December 2008, which helps to expedite the time line for this project, but also increases the need for further community support. Osoyoos is growing and we need to provide more activities and services for children and families.
We invite anyone (companies or individuals) interested in supporting children and families, and contributing to positive growth and development in Osoyoos to contact Leah at 495-5290. Donations of funds, materials, and labour are necessary to help make this water park a reality. Let's make a lasting legacy for our children and this Town. Thank you for the support.

Angela PaolerarnOsoyoos Splash Park Committee

— (OSOYOOS TIMES — Nov. 8, 2006)