Do you think freighters should be allowed to anchor in Stuart Channel? Why or why not? If so, how many? What are the risks and environmental impacts? Does the province have a role to play in setting limits?
Freighter anchorages is a federal issue that has a disproportionate effect on our very small area of Canada. In fact, there are more anchorages affecting our electoral district than almost any other district in Canada.
Although this is an issue governed and controlled by the federal government, that is not to say that we can’t communicate with our federal counterparts to work together. Our federal members of parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith and Saanich-Gulf Islands have been communicating with the appropriate ministries regarding this issue.
As with other issues where the province is not given jurisdiction, I pledge to work respectfully with our representatives in the federal government to bring attention to the concerns of citizens in our district.
Freighter traffic and anchoring is an issue I have heard a lot of concerns about during my time as MLA. Generally speaking, this is a matter that falls under federal jurisdiction, which has made it difficult to effectively advocate for our community on this issue, on a provincial level.
However, my colleagues and I, who represent riding on the coast, have been vocal about the concerns in our communities and so included in our platform is the commitment to develop a new provincial coastal strategy – in partnership with First Nations and federal and local governments – to better protect coastal habitat while growing coastal economies.
A priority of this strategy will be working with the federal government to address freighter traffic management and anchorage around southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Candidates responses to this question have been added in the order received. Go to the Election Questions list to see questions that have been submitted to the Forum.
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