Dear Editor:
Re: Oct. 16 Viewpoint MLAs MIA.
MLAs MIA? That would be news to my organization and myself. Over the past two years I have had the tremendous privilege of having the full attention of the four North Shore members of legislative assembly: Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky; Ralph Sultan, West Vancouver-Capilano; Naomi Yamamoto, North Vancouver-Lonsdale, and Jane Thornthwaite, North Vancouver-Seymour. Without it, some of the most important environmental projects on the North Shore would go unnoticed.
As the president of the Seymour Salmonid Society, I have worked with all four MLAs as we have proceeded with the Seymour rock slide mitigation project. Last January, Jane Thornthwaite and Naomi Yamamoto invited the Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources, Steve Thomson, up to the site of the rockslide, where we showed him the extent of the damage. It was this visit that helped spring additional funding secured by our North Shore MLAs, upwards of $50,000, that is helping to clear the way for the salmon.
There’s considerable work that goes on behind the scenes. Our organization was initially unsuccessful in securing a spot in presenting to the select standing committee on finance and government services, but Jane Thornthwaite intervened, and the moment an availability opened up, we were invited to present.
While the editorial staff at the North Shore News might find it more useful for MLAs to sit in the B.C. legislature in Victoria, I find it helpful to have them in the community. Being able to walk in their offices and speak to them in person is an invaluable resource.
On behalf of the Seymour Salmonid Society, I would like to thank the four North Shore MLAs for their commitment to salmon conservation on the North Shore.
Shaun Hollingsworth
President, Seymour Salmonid Society
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