The FNFFS is deeply opposed to the past decisions made by the Federal Government disregarding science and bowing to unfounded activist claims, and removing salmon farms from some First Nations’ territories without their consent or proper consultation. @ firstnationsforfinfish.ca
OTTAWA – As the federal government enthusiastically champions Indigenous equity participation in pipelines and major resource projects, BC coastal First Nations say urgent action is needed closer to home. Food banks lines are getting longer in rural and remote communities where food insecurity and job losses in salmon aquaculture are being felt most acutely.
With aquaculture companies already scaling back operations ahead of the planned 2029 salmon net pen ban, First Nations leaders warn that the policy is undermining critical sources of employment, new foreign and Indigenous investment, and locally produced, affordable and sustainable food.
At a press conference today on Parliament Hill, Chiefs from the BC coastal First Nations Finfish Stewardship Coalition (FNFFS) unveiled a plan for greater Indigenous equity and leadership in salmon aquaculture, while also welcoming the federal government’s $1.3 billion investment in wild Pacific salmon conservation.
“BC coastal First Nations believe in conservation and having a choice to responsibly develop sustainable aquaculture economies for our people and within our territories, and salmon aquaculture is the backbone. 100% of salmon farms operate with the permission of Rights-holder Nations. In the midst of an affordability crisis, and in a sector where 2/3 of the workforce is under 35, maintaining jobs that grow Canadian food for Canadian families should be a priority for the Government of Canada. BC coastal First Nations are calling on the Carney government to immediately reverse the 2029 Trudeau net pen ban so that we can implement our responsible plan to drive new foreign investment and increase our equity investment in the BC salmon aquaculture sector,” stated Dallas Smith of Tlowitsis First Nation and spokesperson for the FNFFS.
Their message was clear. The timeline is urgent. Reversing the Trudeau-era 2029 net pen ban is essential for sustainable growth. At stake is significant new foreign direct investment, and the long-term economic participation of First Nations communities in a sector where they are already key partners. Coalition Chiefs say this approach directly aligns with the Carney government’s federal priorities: attracting investment creating jobs – including for youth, improving affordability, strengthening food security, and advancing economic reconciliation in an increasingly uncertain global economy.
“First Nations leadership has been central to shaping a responsible and sustainable aquaculture sector in British Columbia. Their stewardship, combined with our company values, demonstrates how economic opportunity, responsible production, and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. CERMAQ has long supported the importance of these relationships and aligns with the FNFFS Coalition First Nations and their important role in the future of salmon farming,” said Steven Rafferty, CEO of CERMAQ.
The next six-year salmon grow-out cycle begins in June 2026. Without policy clarity, aquaculture companies face two stark options: proceed with production only to cull millions of healthy fish in 2029, or halt the cycle entirely—triggering immediate job losses across rural, remote, coastal and Indigenous communities.
The FNFFS Chiefs unveiled their own proactive, 5-pillar plan for their future in the salmon aquaculture sector including:
- A transformation of the ISO-accredited Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (CAHS) to the ISO-accredited Indigenous Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (iCAHS), located in Wei Wai Kum territory – braiding western science with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).
- The creation of a Nation-led Salmon Stewardship Fund – requiring salmon aquaculture companies to make a per-harvested-tonne contribution to the new Indigenous Centre for Aquatic Health Science (iCAHS).
- A majority equity Indigenous investment in the largest seafood harvesting facility network in western Canada.
- Increased First Nations equity investment in BC coastal aquaculture industry and ancillary businesses up and down the supply chain.
- Beginning in 2029, First-Nations-issued salmon aquaculture licenses.
“The Prime Minister has called for elbows up, for Canadians to stand together to build Canada strong, and the First Nations for Finfish Stewardship Coalition with our industry partners – is part of that. We are asking to stand inside the economic agenda, partner to partner. We have seen all across this country, First Nations with equity stakes – or building towards them – in projects like pipelines, mining, oil and gas, in critical minerals. That is self-determination. That is reconciliation in action. It is the right of every First Nation. It can’t be pipelines and mines and forestry for some First Nations, but not salmon aquaculture for ours. That is our natural resource,” said Hasheukumiss, Tyee, Ahousaht First Nation.
B.C.’s salmon aquaculture sector currently generates $1.12 billion in annual economic activity, including $483 million in GDP, and supports more than 4,000 jobs. Two-thirds of the workforce is under the age of 35. For the more than 1,000 First Nations workers in salmon aquaculture, this includes over $59.9 million in annual wages.
Source: FNFFS
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