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We need more from our MP

Editor: I see in the Jan. 17th edition of Coast Reporter there was another story about our MP John Weston announcing more grants to groups on the Coast.

Editor:

I see in the Jan. 17th edition of Coast Reporter there was another story about our MP John Weston announcing more grants to groups on the Coast. While I appreciate the fact that groups are getting money I am tired that the only things that I see or hear from him are money grants and fitness pronouncements.

There are many of us that want more from our member of Parliament. We want him to speak to us about other issues that directly affect us and the Coast and not just money and fitness.

I want him to tell us how many jobs and businesses have been brought to the Coast. Grants for non-profitsand cultural groups are nice, but we also need good long-term employment that pays a decent wage to stop people from making the hard decision to move off-Coast.

There is the Kinder Morgan pipeline and tanker expansion and the proposed expansion of the Texada Island coal shipments. These projects involve major risks to the environment in the Strait of Georgia and could have adverse effects on communities on the Sunshine Coast.

As well the governmentquietly opened the door to an expansion of B.C.'s fish farm sector despite warnings by the 2012 Cohen Commission about the effects of net-based farms on wild salmon. Why was industry told about this last year but the public only found out last week?

We are a coastal community and anything that is done on the coast of B.C. can have major impacts on us. We want Mr. Weston to come and speak to us and hear our comments about these and many other issues. It is a shame the only comments he will give us are ones approved by the Prime Minister's Office.

Paul Keyes, Hopkins Landing