Re: Bill 13
Dear Committee Member,
I represent PADI, the worlds largest diving association with over 100,000 professtional instructors/divemasters and 4500 sanctioned dive operators in 176 countries. In Canada, PADI represents the majority of the scuba diving population and was a primary sponcer and participant in organizing the sinking of wrecks as artificial reefs in British Columbia.
Padi functions as a consultant to national governments in numerous countries and has extensive knowledge of the impact legislation can have on tourism. We have also been a leading advocate in the preservation of underwater marine resources, including shipwrecks.
Divers have a special interest and appreciation for underwater historical heritage, as we are the only group that actually visits shipwrecks. For that reason, in many instances around the world, divers have lead the way in preventing wanton destruction ans pillaging of underwater wrecks. It is very important to divers that these sites remain pristine, not only for their historical significance, but so future generations of divers are able to visit, enjoy and appreciate them. In many countries, marine archeologists and government officials recognize and count on the support and contributions made by recreational divers in wreck and artifact preservation.
The vast majority of divers would support legislative preservation efforts in Ontario, if its purpose was to serve the interests of recreational divers and dive tourism, as well as those of marine aedheologists. Unfortunately, Bill 13 is not written in this spirit, as such, PADI strongly opposes this initiative.
We greatly encourage your committee to put aside Bill 13 and work with all interested parties to draft legislation that is fair and balanced. PADI is very interested and willing to devote time and resources to such a project.
Sincerely,
Randy Giles
Regional Manager
PADI Canada