OPINION
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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • Friday, September 28, 2012
Abortion laws need overhaul
DENMAN ISLAND VOLUNTEERS found more than two tons of shellfish industry debris during the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, says islander Edina Johnston.
Shellfish debris still found on Denman Dear editor, Once again Denman Islanders rallied to clean up their beaches last week during the annual Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup organized locally by the Denman Island Marine Stewardship Committee. Once again, most of the debris came from the shellfish industry. Of the two and a half tons reluctantly deposited in the landfill, only half a ton was not directly related to the shellfish industry in Baynes Sound.
Much of the two tons of industry equipment that was collected was reusable baskets, trays and many huge antipredator nets that are hazardous to wildlife, swimmers and boaters. The many Denman Island volunteers who walked the shores for the eighth year, collecting debris on the beach were disgusted by the large amount of debris that originated with the shellfish industry. Just before heading for the landfill, the
truckloads of debris were taken to the Courtenay office of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (which regulates the industry). It was hoped there might be an alternate solution offered to dumping the gear and perhaps a way to return the “lost” items to the rightful owners. F&O Canada’s enforcement officer was sympathetic but made it quite clear that the “found” items were to go to the dump, so the trucks and trailers went off to the landfill.
The shellfish industry labels itself as “green and sustainable.” One has to wonder how it can do so when it treats the very environment it relies on in such a manner. Perhaps if the hundreds of thousands of tax payers dollars given the industry in the form of government grants, etc. were curtailed, the tenure holders might value their equipment a little more, secure it better, and retrieve it when it when it
escapes their tenures. Edina Johnston, Denman Island
Dear editor, Since 1988, Canadian law has said little about unborn babies. The Criminal Code regards a child before birth — or even during birth — as not a human being. Ontario MP Stephen Woodworth, questioning this state of affairs, attempted to set up a committee to consider the current law and the possibility of changing it. His motion met with defeat on Wednesday. The MPs who opposed Mr. Woodworth seem to have two main reasons: The motion would reopen debate about abortion
and intrude into women’s rights. I cannot see that either argument is legitimate. Discussion about abortion has never been properly concluded in Canada, and a parliamentary committee might be a more orderly way to conduct the conversation. At least it would give Parliament an opportunity to clarify the ambiguity left by the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify the previous abortion law. Brendon Johnson, Courtenay Editor’s note: Brendon Johnson is currently studying in South Carolina.
What has happened at the SPCA? Dear editor, I was reading the letter headlined “Anger about Death Row dogs,” and my heart goes out to the dogs, and their owners. At the same time I wonder what has happened at the SPCA? Three years ago I
lived in Fanny Bay with my three dogs. My neighbour had a pit bull. On three different occasions, the pit bull, attacked my dog. The final vet cost for my dog exceeded $4,000. The SPCA attended
Don’t create homeless Dear editor, Thank God we have a mayor like Larry Jangula. We now know how he feels about the Maple Pool issue. We don’t want to
see these people, who currently have a home, out on the street. It never made sense to me and hundreds of others. Jocelyn Richard, Courtenay
and told me that even though the pit bull had come into my yard, there was nothing they could do. They said the pit bull had fresh water, a nice yard to play in, and was well fed, they couldn’t do anything. When I contacted the RCMP, I was told to implement the three S’s — shoot the pit bull, shovel a hole for it, then shut up. I have since moved to Black Creek with my dogs, These dogs are prone to barking at bears, cougars,sheep, cows, tractors, hay bal-
ers and wolves. Now I wonder, since SPCA policies have apparently changed, since my dog got its leg crushed and I got my finger broken, and they are now putting country dogs down for barking, do I need to move again? D. Bell, Black Creek Editor’s note: After an initial investigation, the SPCA might refer a dangerous animal complaint to the regional district, which decides whether to advance it to a legal hearing.
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