Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association
CAMPBELL RIVER – A 5-year period to fully transition from traditional farming infrastructure poses challenges for further investments in technology and innovations and will further impact the coastal communities who rely on our sector.
“Salmon farming in BC has been a vital sector contributing significantly to Canada’s economy and food security,” says Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “However, the political conditions on the licences increase the uncertainty for aquaculture in BC and Canada. This focus on unproven technology jeopardizes the sector’s ability to fulfill agreements with rights-holder First Nations and will cause further harm to our communities.”
This unrealistic time period for full transition undermines the federal government’s commitment to science-based decision-making, restoration of wild salmon populations, support for UNDRIP and rural coastal communities, growth of Canada’s Blue Economy, increased food security, and support for young Canadians. It is crucial for the government to provide longer-term stability and certainty to enable the sector to repair the damage from the 40 per cent decline of the sector and contribute to Canada’s economic growth by investing and implementing new technologies and innovations.
“We have worked tirelessly over the past few years and have submitted thousands of pages of documents to the federal government to show our commitment to this process. We remain dedicated to advocating for the long-term viability of the salmon farming sector in British Columbia,” says Kingzett. “We hope to find solutions that balance economic development, environmental sustainability, and social well-being.”
“At West Coast Reduction Ltd., we are committed to our partnership with BC Salmon Farmers in creating locally produced, sustainable, high-value products. The recent decision creates uncertainty, undermining regional business stability and investment capacity. This affects immediate operations and hampers long-term planning and sustainability efforts,” said Doug Davidson, Operations Manager of West Coast Reductions.
Despite this challenge, we are committed to fighting for our communities and working with all levels of government, the First Nations whose territories we operate in, and various other stakeholders to find a responsible, realistic, and achievable path forward. We remain hopeful the federal government’s transition plan will provide that opportunity. We will have more to say in the coming weeks after we have had time to review the conditions of licence and transition plan details.
“It is disappointing to learn that the Liberal government has yet again turned its back on coastal communities who rely heavily on salmon farming to drive their fractured economies. In doing so, the government has chosen to ignore science and their own commitments to truth and reconciliation. The decision is a political one. A desperate attempt save a few ridings in Vancouver,” said Dave Stover, Co-owner and CEO of Brown’s Bay Packing Co.
“This decision creates a highly uncertain situation for our small business, stalling our plans for growth and development. Our plans to expand our office space in Campbell River have been put on hold. This is one small example of the widespread impact of this decision,” said Stephanie King, CEO and Founder of InWater Technologies.
“This decision is very short-sighted. Coastal communities can only survive and thrive if there is stability. Fish farming offers coastal communities multigenerational stability. A chance to build equity and keep families together. I don’t understand why the federal government would sacrifice the well-being of these communities simply for the pleasure of the well-heeled urban elite,” said Dr. Brad Hicks, Partner at Taplow Feeds.
“Five years ago, our world was turned upside down by the announcement that this thriving sector was going to be shut down. Our team, suppliers, and customers – and the families they support – have had to live with this uncertainty, all while not having their voices heard. Although we appreciate the extension, it’s difficult to come to terms with this decision. A great deal of misinformation has been provided by parties that have a lot to gain in seeing this sector shut down – while our hard-working people, and the small communities we serve, will be taking yet another hit,” said Ryan Brush, General Manager of Aquatrans Distributors Inc.
ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION
BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation, and all farms operating in BC are currently done in agreement, negotiation, or established partnerships with First Nations in whose territories we operate. These agreements are founded upon recognizing First Nations’ right to exercise jurisdiction over the land, resources, and waters within their territories.
Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.142 billion for the provincial economy, supporting thousands of jobs. Additionally, farm-raised salmon provides a nutritious and sustainably produced protein with a low carbon footprint that contributes to Canada’s food security and Blue Economy.
The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents over 60 businesses and organizations throughout the value chain of finfish aquaculture in BC. Our members account for over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon in British Columbia.
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