Senator Poirier Fighting for New Brunswickers - Senator proposing changes to Bill C-68
Senator Poirier Fighting for New Brunswickers
Senator proposing changes to Bill C-68
May 16, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – Today, Senator Rose-May Poirier issued the following statement:
As a Senator, the most important part of my job is to make sure voices and concerns from New Brunswick are heard loud and clear in Ottawa.
On Bill C-68, I have heard from New Brunswick fishers that they have a direct interest in the changes being proposed in this Bill. A vibrant fishery is a key part of New Brunswick’s economy and I will continue to be a voice for our coastal communities.
Nevertheless, I am concerned about the impacts Bill C-68 could have across our province.
My major concern has been all along that it puts a straightjacket on our energy industry.
We have heard from witnesses that Bill C-68 will negatively impact hydro-electric projects across Canada, including New Brunswick, closing the door to economic opportunities and greater self-reliance.
Therefore, I proposed amendments to the Bill that work to address these local concerns.
I am pleased that my Senate colleagues on the Fisheries and Oceans Committee have accepted these amendments to Bill C-68.
We hope the Trudeau government will truly have an open mind, and listen to what New Brunswickers have said on this issue by accepting amendments brought forward in the Senate to improve this legislation. Once the Senate makes changes to the government legislation, the amended Bill is sent back to the House of Commons for approval.
This week, Senator Harder, the Government Representative in the Senate moved amendments to improve Bill C-68. While these measures have come at the last hour, and many solely designed to correct drafting errors, I am encouraged that the government may be showing a willingness to modify their proposed legislation based on concerns that have been raised at the Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee.
Conservative Senators will continue to monitor the legislation closely, and speak up for Atlantic Canada.
In total, fives amendments presented by Conservative Senators were adopted by the Senate Committee.
The report of the Fisheries and Oceans Committee will now be referred to the Senate Chamber, where it will ultimately be decided whether to keep the amendments in the new Bill.
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Information (media only):
Karine Leroux
Office of the Honourable Larry W. Smith
Leader of the Conservative Senate Caucus
(613) 996-7068