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Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

I urge you to please reconsider your decision regarding closing salmon farms in Discovery Islands. This decision was made without consultation of all concerned stakeholders. The effects of these closures will be devastating coastal communities.

This decision made by a federal ministry was not based on peer-reviewed scientific research, but rather on a political agenda. A decision that flies in the face of logic, as this will result in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in the gross domestic product of British Columbia. This decision will also result in the loss of hundreds of jobs in coastal communities.

The people affected by this decision were deemed an essential service at the outbreak of the pandemic because of their role in ensuring the security of food production for our country. They were repaid for their service by having their economic security taken away.

Minister Jordan has made several generalized statements on social media platforms about her “Blue Economy,” but I have yet to see any proof of a comprehensive plan. If anything, this decision will set coastal communities on a path to economic failure, which may take decades to reverse.

The decision to close these farms in Discovery Islands does not display a sense of care or concern for the well being of Canadian citizens in coastal communities. It is a decision that is fiscally irresponsible, and unethical.

My faith in government is deeply shaken. I have seen an elected government which should be protecting the health and welfare of Canadian citizens betray that faith which was placed in them. I have seen an elected MP for North Island – Powell River, Rachel Blaney, applaud this decision which will directly affects the people who have elected her and entrusted her with advocating for them.

Please forgive me if I seem cynical, but I am deeply disappointed in a government that I had placed my faith in to safeguard my future.

Mr. Prime Minister, please be the leader you set out to be. Please reconsider your decision.

Sincerely,

Marc Wouters

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