The Nightingale's Song

Earlier, we reported the "apolitical" Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre donated four tickets that were auctioned off at the provincial Liberal's annual Leader's Open Golf Tournament. But this isn't the first time the aquarium, a registered charity, has made political headlines. In 2005, The Georgia Straight's Charlie Smith reported the aquarium's president and chief executive officer John Nightingale sent an email to the charity's members prior to the last civic election "highlighting" statements made by various park board candidates. According to Mr. Smith, Mr. Nightingale noted "the aquarium couldn't tell its members which candidates to support." Although the aquarium president did state, "If you care about your Aquarium, and the animals that live there, don't let a small group of activists decide our future. Vote wisely on November 19 and ask your friends and family to do the same."