News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Leman Describes British Columbia Talks as Hopeful Beginning

For Immediate Release: March 26,1998 Contact: Mike Pauley, Assistant to Senator Loren Leman, at (907) 465-3841.

Juneau – Returning from Canada after two days of talks with British Columbia officials over the Pacific Salmon Treaty and other fisheries issues, Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage) expressed hope that the meeting will lead to further dialogue and reduce tensions between the United States and Canada.

"Clearly some serious differences remain, but I am encouraged by the courteous reception we received in Victoria and Vancouver. Several Canadian officials apologized for the ferry blockade last summer. It was a far cry from the heated rhetoric we have heard from some British Columbia officials recently," stated Leman, who is a past chairman of the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force and is also one of three commissioners from Alaska on the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Joining Senator Leman for the talks were Representatives Alan Austerman (R-Kodiak), Bill Hudson (R-Juneau), Eldon Mulder (R-Anchorage), and Bill Williams (D-Saxman). Lawmakers from Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho were also in attendance.

In addition to dialogue about the Pacific Salmon Treaty, Leman stated that legislators found common ground on other issues important to the fisheries of both regions. "Issues such as the preservation and enhancement of habitat are critical to the health of the fishing industry in both countries," Leman commented. "We discussed the B.C. forest practices code, which is designed to ensure that a thriving timber industry and healthy fisheries can co-exist. We also discussed the impact regional climate change is having on our fisheries."

Senator Leman stated that the next level of talks on the Pacific Salmon Treaty will be held in Washington, D.C., starting next week. "I hope that Alaska’s position will not be lost in the talks at the federal level."

Leman noted that the Alaska delegation was not able to meet with British Columbia Premier Glenn Clark. "We were upstaged by the British Royal Family," said Leman. "The visit of Prince Charles and his sons Harry and William coincided with our meetings, and Premier Clark was understandably distracted."

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