Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands)
2020-09-24 15:06 [p.70]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to raise an urgent question. A number of years ago, the Cohen Commission set September 30, 2020, which seemed a long time in the future, for the Minister of Fisheries to act to protect wild B.C. salmon from the terrible impacts of what are sometimes called fish farms but which are more accurately described as toxic fish factories.

September 30, the deadline, looms at the same time as Pacific salmon is in a desperate state of crisis throughout all its ecosystems. Will the Minister of Fisheries commit to act to shut down the open pen toxic fish factories by September 30?

Hon. Bernadette Jordan (South Shore—St. Margarets)
2020-09-24 15:06 [p.70]

Mr. Speaker, my department is absolutely committed to the conservation and protection of the wild Pacific salmon. That is why my department’s policy and decision-making looks at the potential risk and heavily relies on sound peer-reviewed science in order to make our decisions. To date, the department has eight of the nine risk assessments completed. We know that there is still one more to be finished.

I will have more to say on this in the coming days.

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The communications strategy also attacks environmental groups for having a self-serving agenda, suggesting they are raising awareness about fish farms in order to support their fundraising efforts.  “This allegation against environmental groups is outrageous,” said May. “No one in their right minds would dedicate their lives to stopping the destruction of our oceans just for kicks – these people work incredibly hard and for very little money. That DFO would promote this denigration of citizens is completely inexcusable.”  The strategy goes on to attack journalists as biased and suggests that the public is confused and apathetic.  “It is disgusting that this communications strategy was considered a viable way to proceed,” said May.

The Green party recalls the parroting of DFO talking points against the David Suzuki Foundation and salmon activist Alexandra Morton in a September 2010 Globe and Mail column by Margaret Wente.  “We need to know who promoted this boosterism over regulation, how much was spent to assist the multinational fish farms, and how many journalists received their talking points from DFO. The House Committee on Fisheries should hold emergency hearings into the matter,” said May.
Greens are calling for an overhaul of aquaculture policy in DFO.  “We demand that DFO do its job to protect fisheries and leave pro-industry public relations to the industry. They can afford to do their own PR,” said May.

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Seconded by Elizabeth May February 1, 2012

Click here for the complete document.

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