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[chris gadsden]

I have just been notified John Cummins has been replaced on the Standing Committee Of Fisheries and Oceans, his seat apparently has been given to a MP from Alberta.

What a great move that is. Here I thought after the new government that took power a year ago we would hopefully see improvement in our fisheries management, it looks like I will have to eat my words now as we have lost a voice that knew something about fish.

[FISHIN MAGICIAN]

Thanks really bad news.

John Cummins was a very well educated and informed individual who advocated all sides. He was a steward of the resource who offered "sober second thought" who wouldn't hesitate to speak his mind--even if it got him into trouble. Ultimately, I think he was a responsible and respected individual despite the wrangling he had with the different interest groups.

For crying out loud..it sounds like I'm writing an obituary!

Mr. Cummins, although your federal political views were substantially different than mine, I thank you for your years of service.

[Fish Assassin]

What does the new member know about salmon ? The only salmon he's seen is probably from a can or on his dinner plate.

[Old Black Dog]

Cummins and other critics allege that proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will cripple the public fishery, turning it into a privilege rather than a right, and will weaken fish habitat protection while giving a boost to the fish farm industry.     
This is taken from the Sun Report today,

OTTAWA — The Conservative government triggered howls of protest in B.C. today after booting Conservative MP John Cummins, a fierce critic of his own government’s policies on fisheries and native land claim treaties, off the standing committee on fisheries and oceans.

Cummins, who refused a re-assignment to the veterans affairs committee, shrugged off the move as an inevitable result of his ongoing clash with the government on key West Coast policies.

“I wasn’t surprised,” said the MP for Delta-Richmond East, a commercial fisherman who has argued since his election as a Reformer in 1993 against separate native commercial fisheries.

“I guess in some peoples’ minds they may be giving me a spanking for certain things, but I don’t tend to get too upset about it.”

Cummins and other critics allege that proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will cripple the public fishery, turning it into a privilege rather than a right, and will weaken fish habitat protection while giving a boost to the fish farm industry.

Conservative whip Jay Hill said he had no choice but to remove Cummins because the MP is strongly opposed to planned legislative changes to the Fisheries Act.

“We need to have all of our committee members solidly on side with the government’s agenda,” said Hill (Prince George-Peace River), noting that the Tories already need at least one opposition vote on the committee to get the legislation through.

“You can imagine how it would look…if, at committee, we were to lose the entire bill because of one vote, and it was Mr. Cummins vote.

“I would have a tough time explaining that the to the prime minister.”

Cummins was replaced by rookie Alberta Tory MP Blaine Calkins.

The full story will appear in Saturday's editions

[chris gadsden]

The problem is I doubt he will know the fisheries issues here on the Coast. As well it seems if you do not toe the Party line you will be sent to the Back Bench and beyond. Very unsettling.

[Fish Assassin]

This unfortunately applies to all the federal party. Don't say anything that is not the official party line.

[troutbreath]

For the lack of a better word Cummins got replaced by a "weenie". Who likes the taste of farmed salmon so much he probably invested in the industry. I may not have appreciated Cummins always going for bat for commercial guys to catch the last salmon but he did have some scruples. Now you'll get the meally mouth toady yes bum boy type. That's representation Tory style. We agree to disagree and get off our standing committee so that theres no disagreement.

[Rodney]

http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2007/02/17/the-defiant-fisherman/

[chris gadsden]

I added my comments to the above link, others may wish to also as it may help get the message out.

[Terry Bodman]

Some have been suggesting that Cummins run as an independent in his riding. That, in my opinion, would be a mistake as independents are seldom elected and, if they are, have very little influence. John Cummins should stay the course and hang onto his objective opinions. He can have more positive influence by remaining in the party.

[Fish Assassin]

Some have been suggesting that Cummins run as an independent in his riding. That, in my opinion, would be a mistake as independents are seldom elected and, if they are, have very little influence. John Cummins should stay the course and hang onto his objective opinions. He can have more positive influence by remaining in the party.

Cummins is in a no win situation. I agree with Terry's opinion concerning running as an independent. If he remains with the Conservatives and sits in the back benches he will be a forgotten MP. If he speaks up, Harper and his cronies might expell him from the party much like they did with Garth.

[Old Black Dog]

Second reading of the bill is tomorrow and the only group standing up for the sports fishers is the NDP.

Tells you a lot about the Liberals and Conservatives.

[Eagleye]

What a SHAM... IMO this totally undermines any credibility/worth in the voting process and democracy in general.  Does it surprise me... no.