Scott Fraser (politician)

Scott Kenneth Fraser (born 1957 or 1958) is a Canadian politician who represented the Mid Island-Pacific Rim electoral district in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2005 to 2020.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Fraser served one term (1996–1999) as mayor of Tofino, British Columbia; before that he operated a bed and breakfast.

[8] He accepted a job as an assistant manager of the Tofino Harbour Authority and served as the chairman of the Working Sound Shellfish Committee.

Fraser supported the decision to remove, from the legislature, murals depicting aboriginal people in what was seen as historically inaccurate and offensive situations.

The bill proposed to ban ethylene glycol, which has a pleasing taste to animals but is poisonous, from engine antifreeze sold in the province.

[26] While the bill was returned for second reading, Fraser proposed a motion to add the ban on ethylene glycol in antifreeze to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act being debated in March 2008, though it was voted down by the BC Liberals.

The management plan was approved by the ministry[30] but the company agreed to replace 2,4-D.[31] Fraser supported residents who sought to add land to MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove),[32] oppose developing a new parking lot there[33] and stop logging of old growth forest adjacent to Cathedral Grove.

[34] Fraser sought provincial assistance to protect Hamilton Marsh, near Qualicum Beach, after a failed acquisition deal between the land owners, Ducks Unlimited and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

[37][38] Fraser was a persistent critic of the Private Managed Forest Land Act, adopted in 2003 during the 37th Parliament, which enabled the province to sell parts of crown land Tree Farm Licence (TFL) to private companies and consequently, in Fraser's view, led to an increase in exports of raw logs and the idling of sawmills in BC.

[39][40] For the 2009 provincial election Fraser's electoral district was re-arranged, removing Qualicum Beach, to create Alberni-Pacific Rim.

Fraser continued to advocate for improvements to Bamfield Road[43] and protection of Hamilton marsh, even though his new riding did not cover the land,[44] and to speak out against the BC Liberal forestry management.

Negotiations took place between Voith, Catalyst Paper, and the BC government but broke down over insufficient investment commitment and guarantees, though Fraser continued to promote the technology.

[56] During the subsequent leadership election, Fraser endorsed John Horgan,[57] stating "I believe he has the best business sense, balanced by 'environment' and 'social justice.

[64] With DeLuca becoming involved in a controversial campaign, funded by the Safari Club, to oppose the end grizzly bear trophy hunting,[65] Fraser again easily won re-election with nearly 50% of the vote.

[66] Following the collapse of the BC Liberal government, the new Premier, John Horgan, appointed Fraser to the Executive Council of British Columbia as the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation on July 18, 2017, with Garry Begg taking over as whip.

Second, Fraser introduced the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act on October 24, 2019, and it was adopted November 28 with all party support to implement UNDRIP.

[69] In the subsequent October election, the NDP retained the Mid Island-Pacific Rim seat with fellow former mayor of Tofino Josie Osborne winning the riding.