ACUC International's Position on Proposed Bill 13 Legislation

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM ACUC INTERNATIONAL

Marine Conservation and our industry's survival..........everyone's concern

Pending legislation for Ontario, Canada, known as Bill 13, in it's current form, will have a detrimental effect on the scuba industry. We strongly encourage you view the complete Bill 13 proposal at: http://www.ontla.on.ca/Documents/StatusofLegOUT/b013_e.htm

In summary, this proposed legislation in its current form will make it illegal ANYWHERE IN ONTARIO to:

touch or swim inside a wreck.
disturb silt or natural marine life on a wreck or other location classified as a "Marine Heritage Site".
dive on a wreck or "Marine Heritage Site" without a license issued by the government.

Bob Cronkwright, President of ACUC International, has reviewed this proposed legislation and has respectfully submitted a letter to Mr. Toby Barrett, PC, MPP, voicing our concerns on the issue.

In summary the current position of ACUC International is:

Marine Conservation is, was, and always will be important to ACUC International. Our Training Programs reflect this position. Although we applaud the Ontario Government's attempt to preserve and protect our marine heritage we strongly believe that the proposed Bill 13, in it's present form, will adversely effect diving and tourism in Ontario. Therefore, ACUC International proposes the following amendments be made to Bill 13:

Remove Section 4.(1) in its entirety.
Remove Section 4.(1) 1. in its entirety.

Both of these sentences should be completely removed from the Act. Implementation of this type would ruin the promotion of tourism in that most visitors would avoid attempting to dive in these areas simply because they can dive in other places "hassle-free". In addition, ACUC does not see the ability to police all of the historical wrecks which abound in Ontario's waters.

Amend Section 4.(1) 3. to read

When diving, the thrust from a diver's fins almost always disturbs silt. ACUC suggests the sentence should be amended to read -

"Remove naturally occurring substances in a marine heritage site."

Amend the last paragraph of the proposed legislation to read:

"The new Act defines "marine heritage site" under the Ontario Heritage Act and prohibits anyone from damaging or removing a heritage wreck or protected artifact. This new Act creates an obligation to notify the Minister of evidence of marine heritage site. The Minister must publish a record of marine heritage sites known to the Minister."

ACUC International believes that implementation of legislation with the above amendments will ensure that our marine heritage in Ontario will be protected for future generations, and will also allow our dive tourism industry to grow.

Since this proposed legislation in it's current form has the capability to effect tourism and diving not only in Ontario but elsewhere in Canada, ACUC International strongly encourages ALL DIVING PROFESSIONALS to immediately contact either Mr. Toby Barrett or their local MPP to voice their concerns regarding Bill 13. The telefax number for Mr. Barrett is - (416) 325-8408.

To receive a copy of Bob Cronkwright's letter to Mr. Toby Barrett please contact our office and provide us with your telefax number.

You can find a complete list of Ontario MPP's to contact at the Government of Ontario Web site at:
http://www.ontla.on.ca/members/mpplist.htm

Email addresses of Ontario MPP's are listed at: http://www.ontla.on.ca/locate/email99.htm

We thank you for your attention in this important matter and if you have any questions regarding ACUC International's position on the matter please feel free to contact Bob Cronkwright at any time.