Lək̓ʷəŋən TERRITORY/VICTORIA, BC – At a time when food security and economic stability are top priorities for all Canadians, BC salmon farmers are ready to step up to be part of the solution despite destabilizing federal government policy and the threat of US tariffs. This is the message BC salmon farmers are delivering in Victoria, BC, this week.
BC salmon farmers are advising the province that, with business certainty, the sector is poised to rapidly unlock hundreds of millions of dollars of innovation and modern technology investments into British Columbia.
“Now is the time to adopt a unified ‘Team BC’ approach,” said Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “With the right policy support, salmon farming can play a critical role in reducing BC’s nearly $11 billion deficit while generating thousands of well-paying jobs and ensuring a stable, high-quality food supply.”
Kingzett also points to a recent independent Macdonald-Laurier Institute report stating, “Salmon farming could benefit Canada by providing economic stability to coastal communities, fostering greater cooperation with First Nations, driving technological innovation, and protecting wild salmon.”
A responsible, collaborative plan — developed under First Nations agreements and with support from all levels of government — could generate $2.5 billion in annual economic output by 2030, contribute $930 million to GDP, and create 9,000 jobs with $560 million in annual wages, as outlined in a recent economic and financial impact report.
At a time when the federal government is investing heavily in other provinces, including nearly $37 million to fund improvements to infrastructure, innovation and science partnerships in Nova Scotia’s fish and seafood sector, over $13.3 million in funding to support innovation and sustainability in New Brunswick’s fisheries sector, and Pacifican’s $5 million commitment to boost plant-based “seafood” production, BC salmon farmers, producing Canada’s most consumed seafood, farm-raised salmon, is again being left behind.
“With global seafood demand rising and the ongoing threat of US tariffs, BC has an opportunity to strengthen its food resiliency,” said Kingzett. “Science continues to tell us that farm-raised salmon and wild salmon can co-exist, and as BC seafood producers, we are ready to work alongside all levels of government to build a responsible future for the sector. With the return to stable, science-based policies, BC salmon farmers can help secure BC’s food production and drive economic growth while protecting wild salmon.”
It takes all farmers working together to ensure a resilient, prosperous future for BC’s food system and the communities that depend on it.
ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION
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.
Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.17 billion for the provincial economy, supporting 4,560 well-paid full-time 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.
BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation. All farms operating in BC are currently 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.
For more information, visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
For a comprehensive scientific summary of salmon farming in BC, read our Modern Science Review.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Franze
Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community
michelle@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-4417
PHOTO CUTLINES:
BC Salmon Farmers Association with members of its Board of Directors outside the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. From left to right: Brad Hicks (Partner, Taplow Feeds Ltd.), Tim Rundle (Managing Director, Creative Salmon Co. Ltd.), Diane Morrison (Managing Director, Mowi Canada West), Stephanie King (CEO & Founder, InWater Technologies), David Kiemele (Managing Director, Cermaq Canada), Brian Kingzett (Executive Director, BC Salmon Farmers Association), and Jennifer Woodland (Managing Director, Grieg Seafood BC and BCSFA Board Chair).
