Just days before what could be her final throne speech, Premier Christy Clark paid a Monday visit to the Comox Valley to meet with people in the seafood and shellfish industry.
鈥淭he premier wanted to meet with some of the producers and suppliers in that area, and talk about some of the challenges and opportunities that are in that industry,鈥� said Comox Mayor Paul Ives, who hosted the meeting at Comox Harbour. 鈥淪he was there to listen鈥ee what we can do to continue to grow that industry. Of course, there鈥檚 challenges around supply for oysters, there鈥檚 challenges around tenure for things like geoducks. I think she learned some new things, and I certainly learned some new things about the industry.
鈥淪he realizes that this is the big economic generator for this region,鈥� he added.
Ives notes that 70 per cent of shellfish produced in B.C. comes from the Valley.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a big part of our local economy, and a big part of our exports. It ties in with the global trade and investment.鈥�
The meeting came on the heels of the annual BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival at Filberg Park, which drew a record 2,700 people on Sunday.
鈥淚t鈥檚 getting bigger and better,鈥� Ives said.
Clark also visited with health care officials, and discussed ways to make life better for seniors and families.
