Press Release: Liberals fail to protect Pacific Salmon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON –
Today, Conservative Shadow Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Ed Fast responded to the Spring Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on Salmon Farming.“It has become very clear that the Liberal Government has a reckless disregard for the existential threat facing our wild salmon in British Columbia,” said Fast. “Since the Liberals were elected in 2015, no action has been taken to protect these fish. Today’s report confirms that a serious overhaul is required to ensure the protection of this iconic species for future generations.”The Report concludes that the Liberal Government is not adequately managing the risks associated with salmon aquaculture operations. The use of pesticides and antibiotics are not assessed or regulated for their environmental impact. Pacific Aquaculture also lacks standards for nets and anchoring systems essential to prevent fish escapes and the spread of disease.“All Canadians deserve to know why the dumping of antibiotics and pesticides into our oceans is not monitored by Fisheries and Oceans Canada,” said Fast. “British Columbians deserve the assurance that wild fish are protected. As these species face so many threats, action must be taken now to ensure their survival.”In the lead-up to the 2015 federal election, the Liberal Government promised to follow through on the recommendations put forward by the 2012 Cohen Commission Report to take concrete action to restore Pacific wild salmon stocks. The Commissioner’s report found that no concrete and measurable steps have been taken to date.“Our Conservative Party recognizes the ecological, cultural and economic value of Canada’s iconic Pacific salmon. A Conservative Government in 2019 will ensure the preservation of these species for future generations and defend the interest of the thousands of Canadians who rely on the Pacific Salmon for employment and nourishment,” noted Fast. “The Commissioner’s report, unfortunately, is yet another indication that the Liberal Government only pays lip service to environmental protection while do nothing to address the issues Canadians care about.”
For more information:
Office of the Hon. Ed Fast, MP