It is very encouraging to see MPs on Vancouver Island speaking up for action on the problem of abandoned vessels on our waterways and beaches.
As a member of Saanich council, I think we need to recognize the work of Coun. Judy Brownoff in seeking the attention of the federal government. Her recent report and work on this at council is having a clear impact.
Brownoff’s resolution called upon the federal and provincial governments to take proper responsibility. This was supported at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in September and at the Association of Vancouver Island Costal Communities convention in April. Raising the national profile of this issue through the collective voice of municipalities and offering practical solutions to guide federal policy have been key ingredients to success.
Last week the MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Shiela Malcolmson, called for the same, stating that “Action is needed, and now is the time for the federal government to clear the path to a solution, not just a boat-by-boat response, but a long-term, countrywide legislative solution”.
As this “federal call to action” now moves through the corridors of Ottawa, and hopefully onto the legislative floor of parliament, we can see that Coun. Brownoff’s work is bringing action to save Saanich taxpayers the grief and cost of abandon vessels in our region.
Coun. Fred Haynes
District of Saanich