For a long time, debate has been taking place over beluga whales and dolphins at Vancouver aquarium. Some of the commissioners want cetaceans to be not kept in captivity.

This has led Aaron Jasper, Chairperson of the Vancouver parks board, that he wants the decision on whales and dolphins at the aquarium to be announced before the November civic election. He does not want that the issue should be a point of discussion in elections.

Idea of a citywide referendum about decision of whales and dolphins at aquariums was floated. But civic officials were of the view that there are more chances of boarding taking the decision. But when and which board, has remained the source of doubt. It remains largely unclear that whether the matter can be resolved that quickly or not.

Jasper believes that the aquarium and the public should also have say in the decision, but in a timely manner. "It's my expectation and I think probably the expectation of the majority of the commissioners that this issue needs to be resolved one way or the other prior to the election in November", affirmed Jasper.

Jasper is not seeking re-election after two terms. He was of the view that from time to time, the issue of whales and dolphins has been raised. He also is in conflict with the ethics of keeping large animals in captivity.

In the recent months, he has seen that the matter has gained a lot of attention. A rise in number of mails in past few months have increased and an online petition has also got more than 13,500 signatures. It would not be wrong to say that the matter has gone beyond than being small issue.