Changes to Fisheries Act

WHEREAS the protection of environmentally sensitive areas including watercourse riparian areas is an important value for the people of our community and is recognized in our Official Community Plan; AND WHEREAS Nanaimo has made significant investments in the protection of fresh and marine habitat within our city; AND WHEREAS Bill C-38 has made significant changes to the Fisheries Act that will limit the Acts application to some types and sizes of projects and increase discretionary powers of the Minister, all of which could reduce the Acts ability to protect the environment: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call upon the Government of Canada to develop revised Fisheries Act policies and regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, specifically including local governments through UBCM and FCM, to ensure changes address municipal concerns while strengthening environmental protection for our watercourses.