January 21, 2021 | Where Do Federal Parties Stand on BC Aquaculture?
Stewart Muir Stewart Muir is founder and executive director of the Resource Works Society, a Vancouver-based group open to participation by British Columbians from all walks of life who are concerned about their future economic opportunities. He is an author, journalist and historian with experience on three continents including a financial editor of The Vancouver Sun responsible for mining and markets coverage. Since Resource Works was established in 2014, the group has gained international recognition for its practical approach to the public challenges of responsible natural resource development and use.
In December, the federal government shuttered nineteen fish farms on the Discovery Islands, putting over 1,500 Vancouver Island families out of work. With the future of BC aquaculture in question, Josiah Haynes compares where the federal parties stand.
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Communities and government officials in the province of British Columbia, Canada, have said they were “blindsided” by the Canadian government’s decision to phase out all net-pen salmon farming in the Discovery Islands, with just 18-months’ notice.
Multiple organizations and government officials, including the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) and the Northern Vancouver Island Mayors, have condemned the sudden notice, saying that the decision will risk jobs in the area and place the viability of the CAD 1.6 billion (USD 1.25 billion, EUR 1.02 billion) BC salmon farming industry in jeopardy. Canadian Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac Richard Bragdon said in a letter to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard Bernadette Jordan that the decision left the region with “serious concerns.”
Several Vancouver Island mayors and members of B.C.'s salmon farming industry say a federal decision to phase out fish farming has left them feeling "disposable and discarded.''
December 30, 2020 | Island Communities Left Behind as 19 Fish-Farms Shut Down
Stewart Muir Stewart Muir is founder and executive director of the Resource Works Society, a Vancouver-based group open to participation by British Columbians from all walks of life who are concerned about their future economic opportunities. He is an author, journalist and historian with experience on three continents including a financial editor of The Vancouver Sun responsible for mining and markets coverage. Since Resource Works was established in 2014, the group has gained international recognition for its practical approach to the public challenges of responsible natural resource development and use.
“Scientists have spoken but the government prefers to listen to activists and not to the people who live and work here,” says Port Hardy Mayor Dennis Dugas. Phasing out open-net salmon farming would mean more costs on industry, less benefit to communities.
Federal politicians were asked for Vancouver Island recovery plan after salmon farming decision
For communities affected by the decision to phase out 19 Discovery Island fish farms December 31, 2020 by Binny Paul, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Campbell River Mirror
North Vancouver Island mayors and aquaculture industry experts sent a letter to Federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan on Dec. 29, asking about recovery plans for communities affected by the decision to phase out 19 Discovery Island fish farms. Signed by the mayors of Campbell River, Gold River, Port Hardy and Port McNeill, along with the board of directors of BC Salmon Farmers Association, Jordan was asked what the federal government is willing to do to help people affected by the decision.