Question Period Note: Aquaculture - Open-Net Pen Transition Plan in British Columbia

• The protection of wild salmon is a priority for the Government of Canada, which is why we have committed to a plan to transition from open net-pen salmon aquaculture in coastal British Columbia, leading to a full ban by July 1, 2029.
• On September 20th, the Government of Canada published the draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan for British Columbia.
• The draft Plan is serving as the basis for consultation and engagement on supports for those impacted by the transition.
• An interdepartmental task force, housed at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, is leading these important discussions, and will develop a final Transition Plan in 2025.

BACKGROUND
• On June 19, 2024, Minister Lebouthillier announced that the Government of Canada will implement a ban on open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia coastal waters by June 30, 2029.
• The draft Plan was released in September 2024.
• The Minister also renewed salmon aquaculture licences for five years starting July 1, 2024. These renewed licences have stricter conditions to ensure improved management of sea lice on farmed fish, robust reporting requirements for industry, and additional monitoring of marine mammal interactions.
• Only marine or land-based closed-containment systems will be considered for new salmon aquaculture licences in coastal British Columbia.

If pressed on consultation process
• Implementing this transition is a whole-of-government effort that will draw on the expertise of a number of departments in reconciliation, economic and community development, green technology, innovation, and aquaculture management.
• The task force will support Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, who is leading the government engagement with a particular focus on First Nations, industry, and the Government of British Columbia—to ensure this transition is managed effectively with sustainability and reconciliation at the forefront.

 
If pressed on the level of details of the plan
• The communities impacted by this decision have unique circumstances, needs, and opportunities. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work. We need to hear from them directly in order to finalize a plan that is considerate of these differences.