BC salmon farmers welcome new Canadian cabinet, seek policy reset on net pen ban.
British Columbia’s salmon farming sector has welcomed the announcement of Canada’s new federal cabinet and the continuation of Joanne Thompson as Minister of Fisheries, urging the government to provide a clear signal on the future of marine net pen farming.
In a statement on Tuesday, the BC Salmon Farmers Association said Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new administration represents an opportunity to reset the country’s aquaculture policy direction. The industry group said the sector experienced significant production declines under the previous government, with output falling by 45 percent amid regulatory uncertainty and the planned phase-out of marine net pen farms by 2029.
“This announcement marks a positive step forward in Prime Minister Carney’s focus on driving economic development,” the association said.
The sector is calling for a revised policy framework to be developed in partnership with Rights Holder First Nations, including rescinding the ban on net pens. The group argued that providing long-term certainty would unlock investment and growth, forecasting the industry could deliver CAD 2.5 billion in annual economic output, CAD 930 million in GDP, and 9,000 jobs by 2030. By 2040, the association projects the sector could expand to CAD 4.2 billion in annual economic output.
Currently, BC’s salmon farming sector contributes an estimated CAD 1.17 billion in economic output and supports 4,560 full-time jobs, many in coastal communities on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
The association said all farms operating in BC are currently in agreement, negotiation, or partnership with First Nations in whose territories they operate.
“We look forward to working with Minister Thompson to build a future for sustainable salmon farming in BC that benefits all Canadians,” the group said.
The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents more than 60 businesses and organizations, accounting for over 95 percent of the province’s farmed salmon production.