Federal NDP Private Member's Bill tables proposed legislation in House of Commons in support of Wild Salmon

British Columbia MP Lisa Marine Barron has introduced a 
private member's bill in the House of Commons calling
for an end to open containment salmon farms

The Federal NDP have taken the cause of British Columbia wild salmon to the House of Commons once again, this time, with Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron tabling the NDP bill towards protection of the iconic west coast salmon population.

“Across B.C. we’ve seen commercial and recreational fisheries forced to stop fishing because wild salmon populations are in such a sharp decline. They have been fixtures of our tourism and fishery industry and if we don’t act now, these sectors will be severely threatened costing many the jobs they rely on to make ends meet.

Wild salmon don’t just play a big role in the local economy but are also a cornerstone of our ecosystem. They feed southern resident killer whales, bears, eagles and countless other species. These salmon populations also have a huge importance to local Indigenous communities who have relied on them for centuries. It is essential that everything is done to protect them.”

Ms. Barron is the NDP's critic on Fisheries and Coast Guard issues.

As the NDP explain it, their bill would ensure that the federal government takes the important first step of ensuring that any fin fish aquaculture is done in closed-containment facilities and that the government begins developing a transition plan for workers in the fish farming industry. 

The majority of those fish farm locations are found in points south of the North Coast and along Vancouver Island.

“The experts are calling on the Liberal government to immediately move away from open containment salmon farms. I hope all Parliamentarians will recognize the importance of this bill and support it before it’s too late for our ecosystems, wildlife and fishers.” -- NDP MP Lisa Marie Barron

While Private members bills do get attention provided towards significant issues for their constituents, the success  rate for them making their way to Legislation is not particularly strong. 

The MP introduced the Bill to the House of Commons on Friday, you can review her introduction to the house below.

More notes on the North Coast Fishery can be reviewed from our archive page.