Local MP John Weston was reappointed to the House of Commons Fisheries Committee when Parliament resumed this week in Ottawa after its two-month summer break.
Weston, the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky MP who in recent months has helped organize a number of meetings dealing with fisheries in the Sea to Sky Corridor, announced on Monday (Sept. 17) that he had been re-appointed to the committee dealing with fisheries issues.
In a statement, Weston called his membership on the committee “a key component in promoting the fruitful interaction of the economy and the environment — a priority for people in our riding.
“My position on the committee will make my work with our Fisheries Advisory Council more relevant than ever,” Weston added, referring to the volunteer group that includes former federal fisheries minister John Fraser and Dave Brown, vice-chair of the Squamish to Lillooet Sportfish Advisory Council.
“The Sea to Sky Fisheries Roundtable is very pleased to learn that John Weston has been appointed to the Fisheries Committee,” Brown said. “As the MP for our riding, John has worked extremely hard to carry the voice of his constituents forward. His appointment is a definite benefit to entire riding.”
In recent months those involved with fisheries in the corridor have expressed concerns about the effect recent legislative changes will have on protection of fish and fish habitat. In particular, the Conservative government's omnibus Bill C-38 has come under fire, with critics charging that it will significantly weaken fish habitat protections.
In the new Parliamentary session, Weston will also serve on the Citizenship and Immigration Committee. Weston has also voiced his commitment to promoting health and fitness, with plans to launch a bill to create National Health and Fitness Day. He also serves as Canadian Government Liaison to the Persian and Iranian Community in Canada.
