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Doherty named fisheries critic

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty has been named the new fisheries critic. Doherty got the news not long before Canadians did.
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DOHERTY

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty has been named the new fisheries critic.

Doherty got the news not long before Canadians did. When he landed in Ottawa early Thursday afternoon, he had a message that interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose was waiting for his call.

“Today’s a good day,” said Doherty a couple hours after that conversation. “I’m very excited about it. I’m up for any challenge and I’m a good ole Cariboo kid that loves a good fight.”

"Todd Doherty has been an effective MP from British Columbia and will hold the Liberals to account on the Fisheries and Coast Guard files, including the appearance of conflict of interest by the minister," said Ambrose in a statement, in reference to Liberal fisheries minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The work has already started, Doherty said, with a quick strategy session under his belt and plans to build on that moving into the fall session

“Our team’s got marching orders and (will) really get us up to speed as best as we can. We’ve got meetings already scheduled this week with those that are probably better informed on this file than I am,” Doherty said. “Clearly there were some things that we started to really question in terms of conflict on interest and such with Mr. Leblanc whether it’s in his previous role or in the interim fisheries minister as well.

In August LeBlanc dismissed suggestions that the government agency tasked with conserving wild fish stocks is in a conflict of interest by also being in charge of championing the salmon-farming industry.

"I think Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a responsibility to promote the sustainable use of fish resources in a way that's good for the local economy," LeBlanc said in a news conference. "If it's a $2- or $3-billion piece of the Canadian economy, with $5 million in labour wages alone in that sector, I think Fisheries and Oceans Canada would be irresponsible not to."

Doherty didn’t have a hand in picking his new role, but said the party knew his interest and background.

“They look at your skill set and again put you into a place that would best benefit this team. Dominic LeBlanc is one of the strongest Members of Parliament and ministers on the other side. it is truly an honour, I guess to go head to head with him,” Doherty said.

His experience as deputy critic for Indigenous Affairs will inform the new post. The new portfolio has “unique challenges” and ties well with his former role as deputy critic for Indigenous Affairs and his current work on the Asia-Pacific Gateway, he said

“There are core issues with this file, whether it’s Canadian coast guard fisheries and oceans that are particularly relevant within our region, within our province.”

- with files from Canadian Press