QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Open-Net Pen Salmon Farms
June 4, 2024
Minister, since 2019, the mandate letters for various ministers of fisheries specify a plan to transition away from open-net pen salmon farming in British Columbia waters by 2025. The sector supports over 500 jobs for local First Nations and injects $50 million a year into those communities.
Minister, will your government support the communities that depend on this industry, or will you phase out open-net pen salmon farming in British Columbia?
In British Columbia last December, I met with Indigenous communities, whom I had the pleasure of meeting again in Ottawa. We want to ensure that the plan we introduce is realistic, responsible and reasonable.
Last October, you told MPs of the House of Commons Fisheries Committee that you need to continue to have conversations with people working in the field and to work on the transition plan. First Nations in British Columbia are getting impatient with the government’s dragging its feet instead of making a clear decision on open-net pen salmon farming. I know you are doing these consultations, but, minister, how much longer will your government stall its decision on whether or not you will phase out open-net pen salmon farming in B.C.?
You should be informed of the direction we’re going to take very soon.
