This e-mail was the response to Barbara Marshall's letter to Mr. Crozier on behalf of the Niagara Divers' Association. I think it has since become the generic reply from his office as many others have received the same reply. It is interesting to note that as well as being one of the very few to speak out against the Bill at its secomd reading (see Hansard), Mr. Crozier is also one of the very few that has had interaction with scuba divers and how they might effect tourism in his area.
From: Bruce_Crozier-MPP@ontla.ola.org
To: marshall@vaxxine.com
Subject: RE: PLEASE AMEND BILL 13
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 13:55:21 -0500
BILL 13 - ONTARIO MARINE HERITAGE ACT
Thank you for communicating your concern and suggestions regarding Private Members' Bill 13 - The Ontario Marine Heritage Act introduced by Mr. Barrett (Conservative, Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant).
As a Private Members' Bill this will, in all probability, not proceed any further than Committee. Private Members' Bills rarely do. However,that does not mean we should take it for granted that it will "die" in Committee. I appreciate all the comments and information coming from you and a number of others. Private Members' Bills are not the same as Government Bills and "usually" do not reflect Government Policy. But again we must not take anything for granted.
It may interest you to know that I was the Mayor of Leamington when the idea for a wreck dive park was first suggested by John Karry of the local Save Our Shipwrecks (S.O.S.) branch in the Essex County area. I supported that effort and now we have ErieQuest in the Pelee Passage.
On introduction of Bill 13 I spoke against the bill for many of the reasons that you and others are raising.
With your input, we will continue the fight, if and when the Bill comes before Committee. At the very least we will ask for Public Hearings.
I have sent a copy of the Bill and details of the debate to the President of S.O.S.
Please feel free to advise me on additional information and comments.
Yours truly,
Bruce Crozier, MPP
Essex