Bill C-251, the Conservation of Fish Stocks and Management of Pinnipeds Act, was introduced into the House of Commons as a private members bill for the first reading on Feb. 9 and was rejected on June 15 during the second reading. Five Newfoundland and Labrador MPs voted against it, and one MP was absent for the vote.

The act was put forth with the purpose of respecting the development of federal framework on the conservation of fish stocks and management of pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), as large populations of pinnipeds are responsible for serious effects on marine ecosystems…