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

• The Government of Canada prioritizes the protection of wild Pacific salmon populations in British Columbia. To this end, we have committed to transitioning from open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia’s coastal waters, culminating in a complete ban by July 1, 2029.
• On September 20, 2024, the Government published the draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan for British Columbia, which is serving as the basis for consultation and engagement on supports for its implementation.
• An interdepartmental task force, housed at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, is leading these important discussions, which will inform the development of the final Transition Plan in 2025.
• My department is responsible for the amendment of regulations in support of the implementation of the ban on open net-pen aquaculture in British Columbia by July 1, 2029.

• On June 19, 2024, the former Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, accompanied by Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, announced the Government of Canada’s policy to implement a ban on open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia (B.C.) coastal waters by June 30, 2029.
• The draft B.C. Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan was released in September 2024.
• The former Minister renewed salmon aquaculture licences for five years starting
July 1, 2024. These renewed licences have stricter conditions (of licence) that include 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 B.C.

If pressed on consultation process
• The government’s engagement is focused on First Nations, industry, and the Government of British Columbia to ensure this transition is managed effectively, with sustainability and reconciliation at the forefront.
• 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.

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 communities directly in order to finalize a plan that takes these differences into account.
• All participating departments are working to facilitate a whole-of-government approach to this issue.