Money and concerns raised at BC salmon sector's annual barbecue
A community barbecue hosted by the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association in Campbell River, Vancouver Island, raised a record CAD 7,000 (£3,826) for the Campbell River Food Bank.
“Hunger remains a serious concern in Campbell River and the surrounding district,” said Joanne Watson, executive director of the food bank. “In our region, more families are struggling to put nutritious food on the table than ever before. This generous donation helps us provide high-demand items like protein, which are essential for good health.”
The event also offered meaningful dialogue regarding the future of salmon farming in British Columbia, where Canada’s Liberal-led federal government has ordered the closure of open net pen salmon farms by mid-2029.
Job security
“The community appreciation BBQ is about gratitude, but this year, it was also about concern,” said Brian Kingzett, executive director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “We heard directly from community members worried about food affordability and job security.
“With a newly elected and appointed federal government, now is the time to rethink this policy before lasting damage is done to local economies, Indigenous partnerships, and Canada’s food security.”
Salmon farming in BC supports more than 4,560 full-time jobs, many in remote coastal communities, and contributes $1.17 billion annually to the provincial economy. The sector is hoping that new Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is a former governor of the Bank of England and is more focused on the economy than predecessor Justin Trudeau, will reverse the salmon phase-out plan.
