Coun. Chuck Puchmayr believes the City of New Westminster's new shark fin ban has teeth, even though a similar ban was struck down in Ontario.
On Monday night, New Westminster city council gave final adoption to a shark fin bylaw that would prohibit the sale, trade or distribution of shark fins or products derived from shark fins in New Westminster.
An Ontario Superior Court judge ruled Nov. 30 that the City of Toronto's ban on shark fins fell beyond its jurisdiction.
Several B.C. municipalities have already approved bylaws that ban the sale of shark fin products, including Port Moody and Coquitlam.
Puchmayr said it's likely the Ontario Superior Court's ruling would be cited as case law if a similar appeal occurred in British Columbia. He added there is still a senior court in Ontario that could potentially consider the matter.
"We feel perfectly comfortable going in this direction," he said. "We do believe there are other senior jurisdictions that could rule on this. I feel comfortable bringing it in as a bylaw."
A recent staff report to council stated one local restaurant serves items containing shark fins, but management stated the ban wouldn't have a major impact on its business.
New Westminster-Coquitlam MP Fin Donnelly has proposed a federal ban on the importation of shark fin products. He is working to get an open vote on the issue in Parliament.
"That's very promising," Puchmayr said. "I would love to see a national ban by the federal government."
