B.C. Premier John Horgan has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging the federal government to consider coastal communities in future salmon farm licensing decisions.
The letter reportedly followed a meeting convened by North Island MLA Michele Babchuk with North Island community leaders held on March 4 to discuss the federal government91裸聊视频檚 aquaculture transition plan.
91裸聊视频淩egrettably there is widespread concern in coastal communities that your government is poised to make a decision in coming days that will eliminate many if not all salmon farming licences,91裸聊视频� said Horgan, in the letter.
Such a decision would eliminate hundreds of job hubs and undermine the economy of dozens of coastal communities, he said.
91裸聊视频淲orse, it would fly in the face of our governments91裸聊视频� commitment to UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) given the stated intention of a number of First Nations to pursue salmon farming,91裸聊视频� he said.
As such, Horgan in the letter urges Prime Minister Trudeau to assure the salmon farm sector that an 91裸聊视频渁ppropriate91裸聊视频� transition program will be implemented.
Any federal licensing decisions should engage First Nations impacted by the decision, provide the necessary time and clarity for businesses to adjust investment decisions, and not pre-empt larger policy decisions by Canada, B.C. and First Nations on the future of the industry, he said.
Horgan added that developing a transition plan for open-net pen salmon farming must also include a corresponding transition plan for First Nations and communities relying on the economic opportunities provided by the industry 91裸聊视频� and a 91裸聊视频渘ew technology adoption plan that may provide new economic opportunities91裸聊视频� in the province.
Horgan also said the province understands the importance of wild salmon and that any federal licensing decision should mitigate potential impacts to wild salmon.
Babchuk said in an email she is pleased to see Premier Horgan support the work of community leaders in the North Island with the letter.
91裸聊视频淭his letter is a clear message of our intention to work together at all levels of government to create a stable, well-thought-out transition plan for the finfish aquaculture industry,91裸聊视频� said Babchuk.
91裸聊视频淭his was my hope after bringing together a leadership group of First Nations, municipalities, regional districts, labour, chambers of commerce, and industry last week. I91裸聊视频檓 glad to see it coming to fruition and look forward to meeting with our federal counterparts.91裸聊视频�
People across the North Island who rely on the aquaculture industry are feeling uncertain and concerned about their futures, said Babchuk.
91裸聊视频淎s leaders in our communities, we all want to see sustainable rural industries that support people with good jobs, provide healthy food, and keep our ocean ecosystems thriving,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淎nd that91裸聊视频檚 why it was a priority for me to bring us all together to collaborate and advocate for the well-being of the people we represent.91裸聊视频�
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