Wild salmon protection driving newly appointed Wild Salmon Advisory Council
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- Start date
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
Wild Salmon Advisory Council members' biographies
The Wild Salmon Advisory Council will consist of 14 members, drawn from a diverse set of backgrounds, covering a broad range of knowledge about the importance of wild salmon to the province's environment, First Nations’ traditional uses, and the economy of many B.C. coastal communities.
The council is expected to provide advice on a broad range of policy issues affecting wild salmon that will help inform both the work of the Wild Salmon Secretariat and provide guidance and advice to the Province.
Wild Salmon Secretariat
The Wild Salmon Secretariat is made up of staff from the Office of the Premier and contracted support from B.C. Coastal First Nations, who will provide logistical support for the Wild Salmon Advisory Council, and who are tasked with the hands-on work of developing and writing an options paper on a made-in-B.C. wild salmon strategy.
Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food
On May 31, 2018, the legislative assembly tasked the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food with conducting consultations to examine the health, habitat and management of wild salmon, as well as the sustainability of the wild salmon industry in British Columbia.
Government intends to provide the Wild Salmon Secretariat’s options paper to the Select Standing Committee and ask the committee to use the options paper as the basis for its consultations with the public.
Next Steps
Government will use the findings and recommendations of the Select Standing Committee to inform the development of a wild salmon strategy for B.C.
Minister of Agriculture’s Wild Salmon Advisory Council members:
Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan, co-chair
Doug Routley is MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. Born in New Westminster, and raised in Duncan, Routley understands the island’s unique challenges and opportunities of life in the region, and his experience gives him a grasp of what his constituents care about, and how their needs can be met.
Chief Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk First Nation, co-chair
Marilyn Slett is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation and is serving her 10th year as elected Chief Councillor. Chief Slett has served two consecutive terms as an elected tribal councillor, and is a former executive director of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council. Her regional representation includes current President of the Coastal First Nations/Great Bear Initiative, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Women’s Representative on the National Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council, and elected to the Board of Directors of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations.
Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands
Adam Olsen was first elected as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands in 2017. He is a former two-term Central Saanich councillor and small business owner. Olsen was born and raised on Tsartlip First Nation in Brentwood Bay, and is a member of the Tsartlip First Nation. He served as the chair of Planning and Development and Water and Wastewater, and represented the community on a number of boards and commissions, including solid and liquid waste, Greater Victoria Public Library and the Regional Housing Trust Fund.
Joy Thorkelson, United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union, president
Joy Thorkelson has spent 40 years representing and working for people who rely on fishing for a living. She has worked for healthy fish stocks, policies that support active fish harvesters and policies, to retain and expand processing work in B.C. – especially in B.C.’s rural coastal communities. As a Northern Panel member of the Pacific Salmon Commission, she has given advice regarding U.S. salmon interceptions and negotiations with Alaska. Thorkelson was chair of Fisheries Renewal BC, which funded and devolved project decision-making to regional groups with representatives from local governments, First Nations, resource users, environmentalists and other salmon habitat natural resource users.
Ray Harris, First Nations Summit, co-chair
Ray Harris is a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation on Vancouver Island, and previously served for 10 years as the elected Chief of the Stz’uminus First Nation. Harris is an active commercial fisherman on the B.C. coast.
He has been instrumental in organizing the Coast Salish Gatherings and the formation of the Coast Salish Council, which focuses on environmental and resource health in the Coast Salish Sea and region. Harris is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as co-chair of the First Nations Summit (FNS).
Dawn Machin, Okanagan Nation Alliance fisheries biologist
Dawn Machin is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band, part of the Okanagan (Syilx) Nation. After receiving her bachelor of science degree from the University of British Columbia, she started as the Okanagan regional biologist for the then-Canadian Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission, and then moved to the Okanagan Nation Alliance where she was responsible for program management of the Fisheries Department.
Machin was a board member of the provincial Crown corporation, Fisheries Renewal BC (1997-2001). After having children, Machin returned to the Okanagan Nation Alliance, to reconnect with the people and community involved in the management of Syilx resources.
Thomas Alexis, Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance, director
Thomas Alexis is a member of Tl’azt’en Nation of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, and belongs to the Frog Clan. He is actively involved in traditional teachings as well as fluent in the Carrier language. He was elected Chief of his community in 2002, and was re-elected for four consecutive terms. Alexis participated in the development of the First Nation Fisheries Action Plan for B.C. First Nations, and was appointed to the First Nation Fisheries Council of B.C.
Alexis is a founding board member for the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance that was formed in 2004. He sat on a negotiation team for Fraser Salmon Management Council, which is a mandated organization with 73 member bands from the Fraser watershed, as well as members that encompass Vancouver Island.
Ian Bruce, executive co-ordinator, Peninsula Streams Society
Ian Bruce began his career as a project advisor and salmon specialist with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s Salmonid Enhancement Program, thus beginning his 35-plus year journey with salmon, salmon habitat, fish culture, community and First Nations, as a registered professional biologist, project innovator, leader and mentor. In 1997, Bruce returned to the Saanich Peninsula to work for the B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch before helping found Peninsula Streams Society (PSS) in 2002. PSS successfully engages with students, citizens and government to provide environmental education, stream stewardship and habitat restoration.
Martin Paish, director, Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia
Martin Paish has been both a strong advocate for wild salmon, and a keen salmon angler for his entire adult life. As a 20-plus year member of the B.C. Sport Fishing Advisory Board and director of the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C., Martin has spent countless volunteer hours communicating the value of wild salmon, and the fisheries they support, to government, stakeholders and NGOs.
Mike Hicks, Capital Regional District’s director for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
Mike Hicks has spent most of his adult life involved in the sport fishing industry. Hicks works with his wife Kathy, operating their bed and breakfast and representing the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area as regional director. He has been a strong advocate for increased habitat protection, habitat rehabilitation and salmon restoration.
James Lawson, commercial fisherman, Tsimshian and Heiltsuk First Nation
James Lawson is a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation from his father’s side, and his mother is Tsimshian. After obtaining his bachelor of science degree, he decided to become a career fisherman to carry on his family legacy. He aims to help in the development of sustainable fisheries management in B.C. through comprehensive ecosystem stewardship.
Cailyn Siider, commercial fisherman from Sointula, B.C.
Cailyn Siider is a fifth-generation commercial fish harvester from Sointula. She and her family are actively involved in commercial prawn, halibut, rockfish, Dungeness crab, roe herring and salmon gillnet, troll, and seine fisheries. Siider believes strongly in the long-term health and sustainability of the British Columbia coast, and the communities that depend on it.
Tasha Sutcliffe, Ecotrust Canada
Tasha Sutcliffe serves as Ecotrust Canada’s vice-president, and also as director for the Fisheries and Marine Program, a position she has held since 2007. She brings extensive experience in fisheries, community economic development and business systems. Prior to joining Ecotrust Canada, Sutcliffe spent nine years as the regional director for the Community Fisheries Development Centre in Prince Rupert, where she worked to create community economic alternatives in the face of reduced commercial fishing opportunities.
Ward Bond, Island Outfitters, and Pacific Salmon Foundation board member
Ward Bond is co-owner and operator of Island Outfitters, and has been since its inception in 1994. Hunting and fishing are his passion. He served as the local chair for the Sports Fishing Advisory group from 2002 until 2007, as well as the main board, Chinook Working Group, Halibut Allocation Board and chair for the Ground Fish Working Group. He is a member on the board of directors for the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Media Contacts
Sheena McConnell
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 886-8587
Robert Boelens
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674
The Wild Salmon Advisory Council will consist of 14 members, drawn from a diverse set of backgrounds, covering a broad range of knowledge about the importance of wild salmon to the province's environment, First Nations’ traditional uses, and the economy of many B.C. coastal communities.
The council is expected to provide advice on a broad range of policy issues affecting wild salmon that will help inform both the work of the Wild Salmon Secretariat and provide guidance and advice to the Province.
Wild Salmon Secretariat
The Wild Salmon Secretariat is made up of staff from the Office of the Premier and contracted support from B.C. Coastal First Nations, who will provide logistical support for the Wild Salmon Advisory Council, and who are tasked with the hands-on work of developing and writing an options paper on a made-in-B.C. wild salmon strategy.
Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food
On May 31, 2018, the legislative assembly tasked the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food with conducting consultations to examine the health, habitat and management of wild salmon, as well as the sustainability of the wild salmon industry in British Columbia.
Government intends to provide the Wild Salmon Secretariat’s options paper to the Select Standing Committee and ask the committee to use the options paper as the basis for its consultations with the public.
Next Steps
Government will use the findings and recommendations of the Select Standing Committee to inform the development of a wild salmon strategy for B.C.
Minister of Agriculture’s Wild Salmon Advisory Council members:
Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan, co-chair
Doug Routley is MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. Born in New Westminster, and raised in Duncan, Routley understands the island’s unique challenges and opportunities of life in the region, and his experience gives him a grasp of what his constituents care about, and how their needs can be met.
Chief Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk First Nation, co-chair
Marilyn Slett is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation and is serving her 10th year as elected Chief Councillor. Chief Slett has served two consecutive terms as an elected tribal councillor, and is a former executive director of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council. Her regional representation includes current President of the Coastal First Nations/Great Bear Initiative, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Women’s Representative on the National Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council, and elected to the Board of Directors of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations.
Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands
Adam Olsen was first elected as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands in 2017. He is a former two-term Central Saanich councillor and small business owner. Olsen was born and raised on Tsartlip First Nation in Brentwood Bay, and is a member of the Tsartlip First Nation. He served as the chair of Planning and Development and Water and Wastewater, and represented the community on a number of boards and commissions, including solid and liquid waste, Greater Victoria Public Library and the Regional Housing Trust Fund.
Joy Thorkelson, United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union, president
Joy Thorkelson has spent 40 years representing and working for people who rely on fishing for a living. She has worked for healthy fish stocks, policies that support active fish harvesters and policies, to retain and expand processing work in B.C. – especially in B.C.’s rural coastal communities. As a Northern Panel member of the Pacific Salmon Commission, she has given advice regarding U.S. salmon interceptions and negotiations with Alaska. Thorkelson was chair of Fisheries Renewal BC, which funded and devolved project decision-making to regional groups with representatives from local governments, First Nations, resource users, environmentalists and other salmon habitat natural resource users.
Ray Harris, First Nations Summit, co-chair
Ray Harris is a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation on Vancouver Island, and previously served for 10 years as the elected Chief of the Stz’uminus First Nation. Harris is an active commercial fisherman on the B.C. coast.
He has been instrumental in organizing the Coast Salish Gatherings and the formation of the Coast Salish Council, which focuses on environmental and resource health in the Coast Salish Sea and region. Harris is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as co-chair of the First Nations Summit (FNS).
Dawn Machin, Okanagan Nation Alliance fisheries biologist
Dawn Machin is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band, part of the Okanagan (Syilx) Nation. After receiving her bachelor of science degree from the University of British Columbia, she started as the Okanagan regional biologist for the then-Canadian Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission, and then moved to the Okanagan Nation Alliance where she was responsible for program management of the Fisheries Department.
Machin was a board member of the provincial Crown corporation, Fisheries Renewal BC (1997-2001). After having children, Machin returned to the Okanagan Nation Alliance, to reconnect with the people and community involved in the management of Syilx resources.
Thomas Alexis, Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance, director
Thomas Alexis is a member of Tl’azt’en Nation of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, and belongs to the Frog Clan. He is actively involved in traditional teachings as well as fluent in the Carrier language. He was elected Chief of his community in 2002, and was re-elected for four consecutive terms. Alexis participated in the development of the First Nation Fisheries Action Plan for B.C. First Nations, and was appointed to the First Nation Fisheries Council of B.C.
Alexis is a founding board member for the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance that was formed in 2004. He sat on a negotiation team for Fraser Salmon Management Council, which is a mandated organization with 73 member bands from the Fraser watershed, as well as members that encompass Vancouver Island.
Ian Bruce, executive co-ordinator, Peninsula Streams Society
Ian Bruce began his career as a project advisor and salmon specialist with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s Salmonid Enhancement Program, thus beginning his 35-plus year journey with salmon, salmon habitat, fish culture, community and First Nations, as a registered professional biologist, project innovator, leader and mentor. In 1997, Bruce returned to the Saanich Peninsula to work for the B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch before helping found Peninsula Streams Society (PSS) in 2002. PSS successfully engages with students, citizens and government to provide environmental education, stream stewardship and habitat restoration.
Martin Paish, director, Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia
Martin Paish has been both a strong advocate for wild salmon, and a keen salmon angler for his entire adult life. As a 20-plus year member of the B.C. Sport Fishing Advisory Board and director of the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C., Martin has spent countless volunteer hours communicating the value of wild salmon, and the fisheries they support, to government, stakeholders and NGOs.
Mike Hicks, Capital Regional District’s director for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
Mike Hicks has spent most of his adult life involved in the sport fishing industry. Hicks works with his wife Kathy, operating their bed and breakfast and representing the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area as regional director. He has been a strong advocate for increased habitat protection, habitat rehabilitation and salmon restoration.
James Lawson, commercial fisherman, Tsimshian and Heiltsuk First Nation
James Lawson is a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation from his father’s side, and his mother is Tsimshian. After obtaining his bachelor of science degree, he decided to become a career fisherman to carry on his family legacy. He aims to help in the development of sustainable fisheries management in B.C. through comprehensive ecosystem stewardship.
Cailyn Siider, commercial fisherman from Sointula, B.C.
Cailyn Siider is a fifth-generation commercial fish harvester from Sointula. She and her family are actively involved in commercial prawn, halibut, rockfish, Dungeness crab, roe herring and salmon gillnet, troll, and seine fisheries. Siider believes strongly in the long-term health and sustainability of the British Columbia coast, and the communities that depend on it.
Tasha Sutcliffe, Ecotrust Canada
Tasha Sutcliffe serves as Ecotrust Canada’s vice-president, and also as director for the Fisheries and Marine Program, a position she has held since 2007. She brings extensive experience in fisheries, community economic development and business systems. Prior to joining Ecotrust Canada, Sutcliffe spent nine years as the regional director for the Community Fisheries Development Centre in Prince Rupert, where she worked to create community economic alternatives in the face of reduced commercial fishing opportunities.
Ward Bond, Island Outfitters, and Pacific Salmon Foundation board member
Ward Bond is co-owner and operator of Island Outfitters, and has been since its inception in 1994. Hunting and fishing are his passion. He served as the local chair for the Sports Fishing Advisory group from 2002 until 2007, as well as the main board, Chinook Working Group, Halibut Allocation Board and chair for the Ground Fish Working Group. He is a member on the board of directors for the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Media Contacts
Sheena McConnell
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 886-8587
Robert Boelens
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674
Last edited:
eaglemaniac
Well-Known Member
Sounds like a mini Cohen Commission, Island style. I'm sure the fish farmers are wiping there brows. Pile of crap.
eman
emanwildmanyeah
Crew Member
Salmon farms are Ottawa’s responsibility, John Horgan says
https://www.saobserver.net/news/salmon-farms-are-ottawas-responsibility-john-horgan-says/
JH is spineless..... Not only does he not have a backbone.... He is a true Politician in that he will lie, deceive, cheat any one only to better his own position.
These Fish Farms that are Destroying our environment and Wild Salmon runs.... He will do nothing.
As well as the KM issue and dealing with the Feds and Alberta.....
Hes proven to be a complete chicken walking along the top of the fence to try to save face...clucking along.....I'm trying Im trying....
He could care less about Wild Salmon.
Hes a HYPOCRITE through and through in my opinion.
These Fish Farms that are Destroying our environment and Wild Salmon runs.... He will do nothing.
As well as the KM issue and dealing with the Feds and Alberta.....
Hes proven to be a complete chicken walking along the top of the fence to try to save face...clucking along.....I'm trying Im trying....
He could care less about Wild Salmon.
Hes a HYPOCRITE through and through in my opinion.
california
Well-Known Member
So Horgan passes the buck to the Feds on salmon farms where the leases are within Provincial control and instead makes a wild salmon group to study something that is clearly in Federal jurisdiction. Typical politician deflection strategy that will cost a bunch of money for no possible action.
searun
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't be so quick to draw conclusions as to the outcomes and impact of this Council. There are some strong voices on it who will speak boldly for doing the right thing and advising the Province as to how to take the correct path. Perhaps this is the beginning of the Province shifting how it views the future of salmon farming? Don't forget that this Provincial gov't seems to prefer consultation prior to taking action - unlike the former government who basically did nothing but protect the status quo. Perhaps naively optimistic....but I'm a fisherman.
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
The best thing I would like to see come out of this council, Is ratcheting back some of the destructive policies Harper and Christy created so they could push development though. No one even inspects developments anymore to make sure they will not be impacting streams/rivers or critical salmon habitat. This kind of development is incredibly import for our stream type salmon. Chinook, Coho and Steelhead.
The Federal government has hinted at doing it now if the provincial government would to that would be a win. This would mean having an approval office and inspectors. This policy would not be very easy though it would slow down development and increase housing prices. DFO did have a system in place but harper decimated it now it's just a rubber stamp from 1 dude in prince george that obviously can't get out of the office and inspect developments. Developers in the past sued DFO alot blaming them for delays ect...
However, we can't simply keep on bulldozing this critical stream type habitat.
The Federal government has hinted at doing it now if the provincial government would to that would be a win. This would mean having an approval office and inspectors. This policy would not be very easy though it would slow down development and increase housing prices. DFO did have a system in place but harper decimated it now it's just a rubber stamp from 1 dude in prince george that obviously can't get out of the office and inspect developments. Developers in the past sued DFO alot blaming them for delays ect...
However, we can't simply keep on bulldozing this critical stream type habitat.
Are you kidding, what consultation has been listened to? Did you forget the Grizzly bear fiasco, now back peddling on housing taxes, seams they jump in with both feet then realize they are drowning. (how I see them). Have they stepped up at all concerning the SRKW recommendations? Did I miss some consultation on my passions that they followed to make them better????? After all I have seen in the last year I would be willing to bet this will NOT fare well for sport fishers but one group will benefit. Not jumping to any conclusions, I base my statement on proven history with this coalition. Cannot believe some still see them as our saviors. Smoke and mirrors fool some. Please let me be wrong this time...
I do feel sorry for the knowledgeable good members of the council that will stand strong for the sport fishing sector, just hope its not another round of frustration like the rest of the hard work completed by our sector volunteers.
HM
Cuba Libre
Well-Known Member
So heavily weighted towards the green side and FN that I am not getting excited.
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
lol got this from facebook it's pretty much what you said
BREAKING NEWS: Premier John Horgan just announced the government will: convene an advisory council –> to begin developing proposals –> to turn into recommendations –> to submit to a committee for study –> to support a public consultation process –> to examine salmon management –> to inform the development of a salmon strategy.
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
Ding Ding DING ! Nailed that one with yesterday's announcement .......
And the pride of the NDGREENS passing the buck another 4 Years .......... Surprise surprise.
What a HYPOCRITE ......... As he Continues to walk the top of the fence.
What to go !
Whole in the Water
Well-Known Member
The last sentence sounds interesting... I'd like them to explain further as to exactly what they mean. Anyways, this is a already more than Christy and Gordon ever did for salmon in BC!
Les Leyne: New salmon council must hang together
Les Leyne / Times Colonist
June 16, 2018 12:46 AM
It sounds like just another example of the NDP government shunting an issue into the study/consultation process, a stage that’s starting to look like a crowded parking lot.But the wild-salmon advisory council announced by Premier John Horgan on Friday is a sound idea, if only because any move at all on salmon is better than nothing.
Numerous interest groups will be represented on a council, to be beefed up by a staffed secretariat, some of them from the premier’s office. It’s charged with writing an options paper on a “made-in-B.C. wild-salmon strategy.”
True, it’s another public agency entering the crowded field of bureaucracies handling salmon files. True, it will just file a report to yet another committee.
True, salmon are mostly a federal responsibility, and provincial representatives don’t have a lot of real clout on the key fishery issues.
But a purely B.C. group taking a concentrated look at the problems of the province’s bellwether natural resource might add some value to the never-ending debate about what to do about its decline. Particularly when the federal government is in the midst of trying to beef up salmon protection (Bill C-68).
One of the big ifs is whether the council can keep its act together and present some kind of cohesive report. That’s the job of co-chairs NDP MLA Doug Routley (Nanaimo-North Cowichan) and Marilyn Slett, elected chief of the Heiltsuk First Nation on the central coast.
Green Party MLA Adam Olsen (Saanich North-the Islands) will likely also be a guiding hand. He focused on salmon during the recent legislative session, and was invited to be a part of the announcement.
The need to hang together was the reason Horgan deflected questions about the big fishery decision coming up next week. Eleven leases for fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago expire next week. Anti-fish-farm pressure groups have zeroed in on the net pens, and looked last year to have caught the NDP’s attention with calls to shut them down.
Agriculture Minister Lana Popham was firmly onside with the protesters, and warned the leaseholders last year about sensitivities around the leases.
But the new advisory council could give the government room to renew the leases on a month-to-month basis.
Horgan acknowledged the divide over net-pen salmon farms, and said only that talks with opposing First Nations there are continuing and Popham will have more to say in the days ahead.
His effort to skate past the divisive issue didn’t go over well. Net-pen protester Tsastilqualus was a bystander at the announcement and she loudly berated him.
“This is nothing but a farce. Wake up. You sold us out.”
Horgan told her: “You’re welcome to put your name on a ballot any time soon.”
Separately, he sounded optimistic about a visit two of his staff made to Ottawa this week. He said they laid out conclusively the need for co-operation on the fishery.
In Ottawa, that could translate to: “We want to elbow in on your jurisdiction.”
They’re also believed to have lobbied for more spending on salmon.
Federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc might show up in B.C. in the next few weeks, which would establish if they were successful.
The new council has sizable Indigenous representation, along with sports-fishery members, salmon-enhancement groups and what’s left of the commercial fleet. Eleven sectors are represented, and Routley, Slett and Olsen bring the membership to 14. No aquaculture groups are on the council.
It will present a report to a legislature committee on agriculture, fish and food that was reactivated last month.
Olsen is in a unique position, because he’s on the council and also on the committee to which it will report. He stressed the urgency that’s needed on the issue. The council will be a stronger, more powerful voice than exists currently, he said.
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans says there has been a “dramatic decline” in chinook in recent years. It imposed an instant closure on parts of the southern Gulf Islands and specific parts of Juan de Fuca Strait to chinook salmon fishing two weeks ago, citing the need to protect the food for orcas.
Horgan said the targeted closures “don’t make sense,” and Olsen also disputed them.
lleyne@timescolonist.com
Les Leyne: New salmon council must hang together
Les Leyne / Times Colonist
June 16, 2018 12:46 AM
It sounds like just another example of the NDP government shunting an issue into the study/consultation process, a stage that’s starting to look like a crowded parking lot.But the wild-salmon advisory council announced by Premier John Horgan on Friday is a sound idea, if only because any move at all on salmon is better than nothing.
Numerous interest groups will be represented on a council, to be beefed up by a staffed secretariat, some of them from the premier’s office. It’s charged with writing an options paper on a “made-in-B.C. wild-salmon strategy.”
True, it’s another public agency entering the crowded field of bureaucracies handling salmon files. True, it will just file a report to yet another committee.
True, salmon are mostly a federal responsibility, and provincial representatives don’t have a lot of real clout on the key fishery issues.
But a purely B.C. group taking a concentrated look at the problems of the province’s bellwether natural resource might add some value to the never-ending debate about what to do about its decline. Particularly when the federal government is in the midst of trying to beef up salmon protection (Bill C-68).
One of the big ifs is whether the council can keep its act together and present some kind of cohesive report. That’s the job of co-chairs NDP MLA Doug Routley (Nanaimo-North Cowichan) and Marilyn Slett, elected chief of the Heiltsuk First Nation on the central coast.
Green Party MLA Adam Olsen (Saanich North-the Islands) will likely also be a guiding hand. He focused on salmon during the recent legislative session, and was invited to be a part of the announcement.
The need to hang together was the reason Horgan deflected questions about the big fishery decision coming up next week. Eleven leases for fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago expire next week. Anti-fish-farm pressure groups have zeroed in on the net pens, and looked last year to have caught the NDP’s attention with calls to shut them down.
Agriculture Minister Lana Popham was firmly onside with the protesters, and warned the leaseholders last year about sensitivities around the leases.
But the new advisory council could give the government room to renew the leases on a month-to-month basis.
Horgan acknowledged the divide over net-pen salmon farms, and said only that talks with opposing First Nations there are continuing and Popham will have more to say in the days ahead.
His effort to skate past the divisive issue didn’t go over well. Net-pen protester Tsastilqualus was a bystander at the announcement and she loudly berated him.
“This is nothing but a farce. Wake up. You sold us out.”
Horgan told her: “You’re welcome to put your name on a ballot any time soon.”
Separately, he sounded optimistic about a visit two of his staff made to Ottawa this week. He said they laid out conclusively the need for co-operation on the fishery.
In Ottawa, that could translate to: “We want to elbow in on your jurisdiction.”
They’re also believed to have lobbied for more spending on salmon.
Federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc might show up in B.C. in the next few weeks, which would establish if they were successful.
The new council has sizable Indigenous representation, along with sports-fishery members, salmon-enhancement groups and what’s left of the commercial fleet. Eleven sectors are represented, and Routley, Slett and Olsen bring the membership to 14. No aquaculture groups are on the council.
It will present a report to a legislature committee on agriculture, fish and food that was reactivated last month.
Olsen is in a unique position, because he’s on the council and also on the committee to which it will report. He stressed the urgency that’s needed on the issue. The council will be a stronger, more powerful voice than exists currently, he said.
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans says there has been a “dramatic decline” in chinook in recent years. It imposed an instant closure on parts of the southern Gulf Islands and specific parts of Juan de Fuca Strait to chinook salmon fishing two weeks ago, citing the need to protect the food for orcas.
Horgan said the targeted closures “don’t make sense,” and Olsen also disputed them.
lleyne@timescolonist.com
searun
Well-Known Member
There are 3 exceptionally good reps from the sport fishing community who were appointed. I’m hopeful their voices will be heard.
I think the point of my post was simply to say let’s see what develops before passing judgment.
cuttlefish
Well-Known Member
Here's a chance to have your input to this Council. For what it's worth.
https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/b-c-wild-salmon-strategy/
https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/b-c-wild-salmon-strategy/
The Province of British Columbia is in the process of.......
waste of funds, province has nothing to do with salmon or steelhead. The money would be better spent hiring a guardian for our voice back east. For example: In the house, DFO East is complaining about our 26M education programs. They dont have it and we do so it should be canceled and funds put into programs that effect both coasts. Now because we do not have voice we are loosing this.....funding and programs. It's this program that puts eggs in rivers through schools. Shame....
waste of funds, province has nothing to do with salmon or steelhead. The money would be better spent hiring a guardian for our voice back east. For example: In the house, DFO East is complaining about our 26M education programs. They dont have it and we do so it should be canceled and funds put into programs that effect both coasts. Now because we do not have voice we are loosing this.....funding and programs. It's this program that puts eggs in rivers through schools. Shame....
Not true, Bones. The Province "manages" steelhead, and is responsible for FF tenures.
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