Taking NWO interests abroad

Submitted by
Ken Boshcoff M.P.

Due to our economic priorities here in the riding, I haven’t had time to engage in the many international responsibilities that come with being a member of national government.
Last week I was invited by the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean, Honourable Mr. Geoff Regan, to accompany him to Indonesia for the 2nd APEC ocean conference. These high-level meetings are part of the ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COMMUNITY that generates half of the world’s trade. As a member of bodies like APEC, Canada has taken a strong leadership position on issues regarding over-fishing, illegal fishing, and the future of our oceans. In recognition of our leadership in this field, Canada was elected to co-chair the 20 nation oceans conference. Not only do we work within the United Nations but organizations such as APEC allow us to accelerate our agenda to protect our fisheries and those of this planet.

After more than 30 hours of airports and airplanes, we arrived in Indonesia for an intense series of meetings. Many of these were bilateral, that is, one on one with other countries. We met with Japan, Korea, Chile, the U.S.A. and Indonesia to discuss those nagging and difficult issues that we must reach consensus on if we are to make progress.
A U.N. report earlier this year identified serious problems with many fish species throughout the world. More than 75 per cent of stocks are overexploited and need protection now. Please know the diplomats, scientists, and professional staff who advise Canadian politicians are top-drawer - highly skilled and thoroughly competent.
I am both disappointed at the pace of recovery and enforcement, and disillusioned by the immensity of the problems. But as these heavy-duty issues are addressed on a global scale, I take a ray of inspiration in knowing that Canada is hard at work to save our fisheries and those of our global neighbours. The results of these meetings are in a document soon to be famous as the “BALI PLAN OF ACTION’, a determined effort to move from words to true action.
For me, it was a great learning experience and a real honour to represent you and Canada at such a forum, because in many ways our oceans are our future.