Aldermen discuss shark fin ban with Chinese community

Members of Calgary's Chinese community got a chance to voice their opinionson a proposed bylaw banning the sale of shark fins in the cityat a town hall meeting heldthis weekendat the ChineseCulturalCentre.

Dozens of people attendingthe forum applauded whenit was announced thatToronto's bylaw banning shark fin products has been overturnedby an Ontario Superior court.

Two aldermen were invited to the forum organized by the Coalition for Transparent and Accountable Governance, a newly-formed group looking to raise awareness on issues important to the Chinese community.

Ald. Brian Pincott says the group was formed because the Chinese community felt they were not being heard on this issue

"They have a valid point there," he said. "This was brought forward to council, and ... we never really sat down directly with the Chinese community."

Ald. John Mar also attendedSaturday's forum, and both will report back to city council next month on the proposed bylaw.