That difference, say both Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon and Alberni-Qualicum MLA Scott Fraser, involves the tone of the debate.
“A group of mayors that visited over there and came back and said they’ve taken a more conciliatory, constructive approach in Norway to addressing concerns about fish farms,” says Cantelon. “They are urged to work together, those with environmental concerns and industry. It’s a very positive step. We’re hung up on the rocks with opposing views and can’t seem to get things going. There’s a wide divergence of views and a wide divergence of facts. It’s very confrontational and not positive towards a solution.”
Fraser agrees.
“The mayors noticed there was a real attempt to break down barriers between industry and those with environmental concern in Norway,” Fraser says. “It seems like a tougher road here. It’s very polarized.”
The two MLAs, along with the rest of the members of the Sustainable Aquaculture Committee, recently returned from a second series of meetings with stakeholders around the province. However, because of the intense interest in the aquaculture issue, they’re not done jetting around the province yet.
Source: PQB News