AQUACULTURE COMMITTEE CONTINUES PUBLIC HEARINGS OCT. 4

VICTORIA – The Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture will begin a second phase of public hearings starting Oct. 4 in the central coast community of Klemtu. The committee will also be traveling to the communities of Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Smithers, Campbell River, Sechelt, Vancouver and Victoria in the month of October.

“It will be another very busy period of travel for the committee,” said committee chair Robin Austin, MLA. “It is important that we visit these communities and continue our commitment to consult with the public about issues surrounding aquaculture in the province.”

The committee is also accepting written submissions until Oct. 31, and has planned further expert witness hearings for November.

“We have already received a large number of letters from individuals and organizations throughout the province,” said deputy chair Ron Cantelon, MLA. “We hope that those who are unable to attend one of our hearings will provide us with a written submission.”

The fall public hearings will be held in the following communities:

The committee will also be holding a series of meetings with expert witnesses and selected organizations Nov. 7-8 in Victoria and Vancouver.

The members of the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture are:

Individuals and organizations wishing to appear before the committee should contact the Office of the Clerk of Committees at the phone numbers listed below. Local newspapers will identify the location and times of the public hearings. The committee also welcomes written submissions by letter, fax or e-mail. All correspondence should be received by the Office of the Clerk of Committees by October 31, 2006.

Information about the committee’s work – including transcripts of hearings and complete meeting details – can be found on its website at www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/aquaculture, by contacting any committee member, or by contacting:

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