Vancouver Mayor Prefers No City Referendum on Beluga Whale Captivity at the Aquarium

Vancouver, British Columbia – It would appear that the heat and passion of animal rights activism and environmentalism has met its Waterloo with Mayor Gregor Robertson of this city of 600,000 residents. At the very least, he has been caught in his guile. The Vancouver Aquarium, caught up in the spirit of animal rights activism after the documentary “Blackfish” put a big target on Sea World, began to consider the current state of Beluga whales at the museum. Mayor Robertson is unequivocal that the Belugas should be held in captivity no more just not on his watch.

At issue is the fact that the Belugas are a big draw at the Vancouver Aquarium and if they’re not present, a big reason why tourists visit the venue will be gone as well. Fewer patrons equals less revenue which in turn equals less sales tax for the city. If only the passion of liberalism didn’t have to worry about the nasty little realities of running a budget! However shallow the mayor’s faux activism may be hasn’t stopped people from demanding a referendum on the subject of the Belugas.

Now, the mayor has openly come out against the referendum because if it passes, it would force everyone’s hand. He would like to see the matter decided solely by the Park Board and the Aquarium where the issue can be muddied and structured in such a way as to be of no consequence. Presumably, a referendum would have no such lengthy process riddled with double-talk as what can be produced through quiet back room deals.

Mayor Robertson cites the excellent environmental record of the Aquarium and the benefits that come from public education. He also reminded people of how much a tourist draw the Belugas are. It’s a bit too late for that kind of reasoning. The rank and file activists don’t care about such matters. The referendum may announced this week.

Source:
http://www.news1130.com/2014/04/27/mayor-doesnt-want-a-referendum-on-whales-in-the-aquarium/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-aquarium-whales-should-be-phased-out-mayor-says-1.2604906