Aquaculture in North Island-Powell River

Open-pen salmon farming has been a divisive issue in our communities. One thing we can all agree on is our concern for wild salmon. Wild salmon is essential in ensuring the health of the coastal ecosystem in British Columbia, and has played a fundamental role historically, culturally, economically, ecologically, and socially in coastal communities.

Since being first elected in 2015, Rachel has been clear and consistent in her position in support of the recommendations of the Cohen Commission in 2012, in favour of transitioning to closed containment salmon farming.

In 2019, the Prime Minister mandated that his Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard:

"Work with the province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities to create a responsible plan to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025 and begin work to introduce Canada’s first-ever Aquaculture Act."

In December 2020, when Minister Jordan issued her decision on the salmon farming licences in Discovery Islands, the NDP fisheries critic as well as Rachel Blaney called for a strong transition plan for the affected workers and impacted communities. Wild Pacific salmon is not only an important food, social, and ceremonial species for Indigenous communities, but it is also a key part of the BC coastal economy providing jobs for thousands of people.

Seven First Nations in North Island-Powell River took part in nation-to-nation discussions with Minister Jordan on the future of the salmon farms in the Discovery Islands, and expressed to their membership their support for the Minister's decision. However, it must be noted that the consultation process between First Nations and the Federal Government has historically been weak, and it is imperative that we reach a place where the process is clear. That is why it is important to acknowledge that Aboriginal rights and title is an important aspect of aquaculture industry development, and is currently under discussion in Parliament with bill C-15 regarding the implemention of the United Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The federal government has been studying the State of Salmon Aquaculture technologies. In December 2020, prior to the Minister's decision about the Discovery Islands, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister began industry consultations on the transitioning of open-net pen aquaculture in British Columbia. This was followed by a public engagement process in early 2021. The Government has committed to releasing the interim report of this engagement later this year.

For years, Rachel and the NDP have been calling on the Liberal Government to invest in salmon habitat restoration and protection. Decades of underspending by both Liberals and Conservatives have led to the emergency that exists today. That's why we are pleased to see the Government, in Budget 2021, make commitments to preserving wild salmon and we will be watching the details closely as the funding rolls out.

A timeline of Rachel's actions on aquaculture developments in North Island-Powell River:

June 2021

April 2021

February 2021

January 2021

December 2020

November 2020

Gord Johns, NDP critic for Fisheries, reintroduces legislation, bill C-257, to establish closed containment facilities for the commercial fin fish aquaculture industry.

May to September 2020

January & February 2020

2019

2018

2017

Attended the Alert Bay Big House summit with BC Premier, cabinet ministers, & Chiefs from Broughton First Nations that led to the historic Broughton agreement

2016