Should we be shocked that the Tories are apparently looking at stripping fish habitat protection out of the Fisheries Act?
Probably not.
The Conservatives seem to have no shame where the environment is concerned.
From Kyoto to the oilsands, they seem to be intent on proving to their business supporters that the economy trumps the environment in all areas.
We broke the story in our paper this past week, and, while the Tories insist that "no decision has been taken," they also replied to our questions with this statement: "Federal fisheries policies designed to protect fish are outdated and unfocused in terms of balancing environmental and economic realities."
Otto Langer and local streamkeepers and environmentalists are waving red flags, and local MP Fin Donnelly is trying to keep the issue front and centre, but it seems that the Tories can count on a country too swept up in hockey and gas prices to really raise a stink.
Frank Williams, a local streamkeeper, interpreted the leaked proposed changes to "essentially take the federal government out of the business of protecting (fish) habitat."
Streamkeepers are already short of legislation to help protect against polluters and industry spills - removing habitat protection leaves them pretty much doomed to failure.
If you can't protect fish habitat in streams, rivers and the ocean, how the heck would you think fish can survive? It's not like they can pack their bags and move to Norway.
Critics are saying that the changes are being proposed to smooth the way for pipeline projects.
That could very well be the driving force.
But the changes will not just impact one or two pipeline projects - they will impact every struggling fish and other creature that depends on our country's fragile natural environment.
It's more than a shame - it's a crime.
