An interim report on the federal government’s consultations on the aquaculture industry transition in British Columbia is a disappointment to North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney.
In a media release, Blaney stated the report had no clear plan on what the transition for the industry would look like and that the government has made no steps toward fulfilling the promise made by the Liberals in 2019 to end all open-pen fish farms by 2025.
“This is a stressful time,” stated Blaney. “Workers are hearing nothing about a plan for what the next steps will be and at the same time BC has overwhelming public support for the removal of open-net fish farms. These issues are urgent and there is still no plan. Where is the government in addressing the deteriorating health of wild salmon and the lives of affected workers?”
Blaney stated that during the past 20 years, there has been an abundance of literature on the environmental impacts and on the role of First Nations in salmon management.
“The government should be making investments in good, well-paying jobs in coastal communities in order to offset the losses from the aquaculture industry and support communities in this transition,” stated Blaney. “When will the Liberals finally act on their promises?”
In response to the media release, BC Salmon Farmers Association executive director John Paul Fraser called the salmon farming industry an important employer in the region.
“Salmon farming is a proud and important family-supporting employer for the Sunshine Coast and many northern Vancouver Island communities,” stated Fraser. “And, it’s popular. Our MP has not stood up for her constituents and an election is a good time to point that out.”
