Question Period Note: SALMON AQUACULTURE TRANSITION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Following the Government of Canada’s policy statement on a ban on open-net pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia coastal waters by June 30, 2029, what is Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s plan to support First Nations and coastal communities impacted by the ban and transition of the salmon aquaculture industry?

• The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the salmon aquaculture for the B.C. economy.

• On September 20, 2024, the government published a draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan. This plan served as the basis for consultations and engagement.

• Since then, the government’s interdepartmental task force has conducted over 120 engagements with First Nations and stakeholders.

• This work has provided a deeper understanding of the industry and regional economy, as well as the diverse views on the B.C. salmon aquaculture industry.

• The government is reviewing all of the different perspectives in considering how it can best move sustainable aquaculture forward in British Columbia.

• A dedicated interdepartmental task force, coordinated by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), has been contributing expertise from across the government in reconciliation, economic and community development, and aquaculture management.

• The task force’s engagement has been productive in better understanding the views of First Nations, businesses, communities and other stakeholders on potential supports, and management and regulatory measures.

• This engagement has included in-person and virtual roundtables, bilateral meetings, and site visits in First Nations and communities in British Columbia.

• The task force appreciates continued interest in salmon aquaculture transition in British Columbia and thanks those who have taken the time to provide input on the Draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan.

In June 2024, the Government of Canada released a policy statement announcing a ban on open-net pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia coastal waters by June 30, 2029. According to the policy statement, as of July 1, 2024 only marine or land-based closed containment systems will be considered for salmon aquaculture licences in coastal British Columbia.

However, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans renewed current salmon aquaculture licences for five years, effective 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.

The government also released its draft transition plan for salmon aquaculture in BC in September 2024. The draft transition plan is centered around speaking with First Nations communities directly to consider their unique circumstances, needs, and opportunities and challenges, as well as with other communities affected by the transition. This transition plan builds upon and nests within a broad framework of collaborative Government of Canada efforts to conserve and rebuild wild Pacific salmon populations.

Between October 2024 and March 2025, an interdepartmental task force, coordinated by ISED, conducted engagement with a particular focus on First Nations, communities, industry and the Government of British Columbia—to ensure effective transition management, with sustainability and reconciliation at the forefront. The then Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Finance led this process on behalf of the Government of Canada. The engagement has included in-person and virtual roundtables, bilateral and other meetings, and site visits in First Nations and communities in British Columbia.

This task force is supported by experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Economic Development Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, Natural Resources Canada, National Research Council Canada, Finance Canada, the Privy Council Office, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Agriculture and Agir-Food Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.