With a crucial election approaching, now is the time to demand bold action for B.C. communities and our marine and fresh waters. Open-net salmon farms in B.C. threaten wild salmon by spreading harmful parasites, viruses and bacteria on their migration routes.

More than 40% of B.C. salmon farms have recently been removed to protect wild salmon, and since then, some wild salmon populations that were being impacted by these farms have been returning in greater numbers.

The last federal government announced a ban on all remaining B.C. open-net pen salmon farms, but it doesn’t kick in until 2029. Soon we will have a newly elected government and we need to make sure that whoever wins the upcoming election fully implements the ban. Hence, it is more important now than ever to question your candidates about their party’s position on the factory fish farm closures slated for 2029

Stan Proboszcz

With the U.S. trade war and its impact on the Canadian economy taking center stage in the election, it’s important to consider key aspects of B.C.’s salmon farming industry: 

• The three largest salmon farming companies in B.C.—Mowi, Cermaq, and Grieg—are foreign-owned, meaning they send profits out of Canada.
• Mowi and Cermaq are suing the Canadian government for alleged lost profits after their farms were shut down in a sensitive wild salmon migration area. If they win, Canadian taxpayers will have to cover the cost.
• B.C. salmon farming companies claim their product is essential for Canadian food security, yet 70% of their farmed salmon is exported to the U.S.A. In fact, salmon farms reduce food security, by killing wild fish that could be caught and eaten.
• According to the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, the industry is struggling economically and has been surpassed by blueberries as B.C.’s top agricultural export.
• Grieg Seafood is facing financial difficulties and has halted further investments in B.C.
• Grieg Seafood spilled over 7,000 litres of diesel in a biologically rich coastal area near Nootka Island, Vancouver. The spill forced the shutdown of shellfish harvesting, and the full economic impact remains unknown. The affected area is a major hub for recreational and commercial fishing as well as tourism.

Juvenile salmon caught in the Discovery Islands before (L) and after (R) fish farms were shut down. Left photo: Tavish Campbell

To date, parties have either not released comprehensive party platforms or have not stated what they will do around salmon farms in B.C., but now is the time to pressure them. We will update this section as more information is made available.  

B.C. factory fish farms are slated for a total ban by 2029 and are clearly dying a slow economic death. It’s also important to remember the majority of British Columbians are opposed to salmon farming. A recent poll found that 90% of British Columbians are concerned with fish farms as a threat to coastal communities.

Canadians can phone or write their federal candidates. You can find your candidates by going to the Elections Canada website, typing in your postal code and following the prompt. You can also use our tool to email your candidates here. 

Another great way is to drop by their election offices and ask them in person. Finally, you can look to see if they are having any events in your riding, including all candidates meetings, and submit questions that way. Try searching the web for your electoral riding and candidates’ names along with the phrase “candidate meeting.” 

Election day is April 28th, so it’s best to start asking now, to get this issue on the front burner and into the party platforms.