STATEMENT: Appointment – Associate Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (Recreational and West Coast).

For Immediate Release

October 12, 2022

Vernon, BC: Mel Arnold, Member of Parliament for the North Okanagan-Shuswap, released the following statement today regarding his appointment to the Conservative Shadow Cabinet:

“I am honoured to be appointed Associate Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (Recreational and West Coast).

“Canada’s fisheries, marine species and aquatic habitats are shared common resources that must be conserved for present and future generations, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve on this portfolio as I have since 2015.

“My experiences working in grassroots conservation organizations prior to being elected combined with experiences working on the fisheries and oceans portfolio over the past seven years have expanded my understanding of the needs and challenges facing Canada’s fisheries and oceans and I am excited to continue my work.

“I will continue to champion Canada’s fisheries and the people and communities that depend on them and advocate for the resources and actions required to rebuild and conserve wild Pacific salmon stocks, protect aquatic habitats from aquatic invasive species and pollution, and support transitions for open net-pen salmon farm workers on Canada’s west coast.

“There is much to be improved in the federal government’s management of fisheries and oceans and I will continue to press for stronger management of resources based on sound science, assessment, and long-term vision.

“I thank Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for his confidence in my experience and commitment to this portfolio and I look forward to working with Shadow Minister MP Clifford Small for the benefit of Canada’s fisheries and ocean resources and the Canadians that depend on them from coast to coast to coast.”