Statement: Reckless shut down of salmon fisheries by Liberal government leaves harvesters blindsided

June 30, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver, BC – Richard Bragdon, Conservative Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Mel Arnold, MP for North Okanagan-Shuswap, released the following statement in response to the Liberal shutdown of salmon fisheries:

“Yesterday, the Liberal government announced that they will be shutting down 60 per cent of commercial and First Nation salmon fisheries in British Columbia and the Yukon. This new and sudden announcement has blindsided many indigenous and non-indigenous harvesters whose livelihood depends on having access to the fishery.

“It’s clear that Minister Jordan made a rash decision without properly consulting with the people who are most affected by her decision to close 60 per cent of the salmon fishery.

“Not taking a collaborative approach is hurting harvesters, British Columbians, and efforts to save salmon stocks. After the wake of the pandemic and all the uncertainty it has caused, harvesters cannot be left in the dark about decisions that will affect their livelihood.

“Minister Jordan and the Trudeau government have demonstrated time and time again that they will not consult and collaborate when making decisions that impact the people and communities reliant on Canada’s fisheries.

“More delays. More empty promises. More of the same from the Trudeau Liberals. For Canadians who care about securing the future of Pacific salmon stocks, there is only one choice: Canada’s Conservatives.”
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For more information:

Office of Richard Bragdon, M.P.
Richard.Bragdon@parl.gc.ca
613-947-4431

Office of Mel Arnold, M.P.
Joel.Taguchi.820@parl.gc.ca
613-222-6855