TO CANADA’S LIBERAL CAUCUS
The BC Salmon Farmers Association, along with our members and employees, are reaching out to the Federal Liberal Caucus as you visit our beautiful island this week. As you enjoy this coastal paradise, we urge you to consider the impact your government’s recent decision will have on the more than 4,600 jobs supported by the salmon farming sector.
Your government’s June announcement to “ban open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia coastal waters by June 30, 2029,” has caused global cascading impacts. The draft plan detailing this transition has not been released, missing your own deadline of July 31. The timeline for transition to closed containment by 2029 is unachievable and risks significant negative impacts on our sector and the communities that depend on it.
THE CHALLENGE
Unrealistic and Unachievable Transition Timeline: A five-year period to shift from traditional farming infrastructure is not possible. This timeline does not account for the current limitations of infrastructure in remote areas or modern salmon farming technology, which has not been successfully scaled anywhere globally. Further, the requirement for closed containment has been made in the absence of any scientific assessment of the environmental impacts of this category of technology. The expectation to produce 70,000 tonnes of BC salmon in land-based or marine closed-containment systems in such a short time frame is unrealistic and irresponsible.
Economic and Food Affordability Impact: This plan will increase food prices and threaten food security at home and across North America. It will exacerbate the economic strain on rural coastal communities, already feeling the effects of a 40% reduction in the number of farms, the loss of 1,500 salmon farming-related jobs, and unprecedented housing and affordability challenges. An ill-conceived transition plan could end salmon farming in BC, leading to an annual provincial economic loss of $1.2 billion, a $447 million reduction in GDP, and more than 4,600 additional lost jobs.
Investment Uncertainty: The government’s decisions have already reduced confidence in Canada as an investment location. Global farming companies like MOWI, Grieg Seafood, and Cermaq are re-evaluating investment strategies, halting investment projects due to concerns over policy instability, and reallocating capital and innovation funds to other farming jurisdictions.
THE PLAN DOES NOT PROTECT WILD SALMON
False Claims: Activists have claimed that salmon farms significantly threaten wild Pacific salmon due to sea lice and disease. However, federal scientists have repeatedly found that salmon farms pose “no more than minimal risk” to wild Pacific salmon. Evidence shows that disease transfer from farms would require 1,600 years to make a 1% impact on Fraser River sockeye populations. Recent data shows that removing farms has not reduced sea lice levels in any area, undermining unsubstantiated claims that farms negatively impact wild salmon populations.
THE BENEFITS OF A RESPONSIBLE PATH FORWARD
Economic Growth: A well-thought-out, collaborative transition plan could transform the BC salmon farming sector back into a major contributor to Canada’s economic activity. By 2030, a responsible plan could generate $2.37 billion in annual economic activity and $880 million in GDP, creating 9,210 jobs with $520 million in wages. By 2040, this could grow to $3.9 billion in economic activity and $1.45 billion in GDP, with more than 15,200 jobs paying $860 million in wages.
Innovation and Technology: Investing in new technologies and expanding facilities could drive innovation, improve rural communities via enhanced infrastructure, and support a thriving Blue Economy in BC.
Community Impact and Wild Salmon: A responsible plan would enhance efforts to rebuild wild salmon stocks, achieve meaningful reconciliation with First Nations, and create significant economic opportunities for rural, coastal, and Indigenous communities.
Investment Confidence: A stable and realistic plan would restore investor confidence and signal to international partners that Canada is a safe and attractive place for investment.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO CHART A POSITIVE COURSE
- BC salmon farmers are committed to evolving our sector responsibly in partnership and/or agreement with First Nations to enhance wild salmon recovery efforts.
- Support self-determination and the path of reconciliation with BC First Nations.
- Reduce any potential risks from farming.
- Foster economic growth in rural and coastal communities.
- Drive technological innovation and development.
- Build a thriving Blue Economy in BC.
We urge the Federal Liberal Caucus to engage with us in developing a viable, science-based strategy that supports both the salmon farming sector and the communities it sustains.
Thank you for your time, and enjoy your stay.
Sincerely,
Brian Kingzett
Executive Director
BC Salmon Farmers Association