Aquaculture: “When our resource sector thrives, so do our communities”

With a supportive government, B.C. salmon farmers could generate $2.5 billion in output, $930 million in GDP, and 9,000 jobs paying $560 million in wages by 2030, states the BCSFA.

By Fabian Dawson
SeaWestNews

With significant government budget deficits, sluggish private-sector job growth, a slumping loonie, and rising job losses, British Columbia must take bold steps to fortify its economic resilience, say leaders in the province’s business and resource sectors.

In addition, the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian imports by the incoming U.S. administration underscores the need for the rapid and sustainable development of B.C.’s resources, they said.

“When our resource sector thrives, so do our communities, workers, and the entire provincial economy,” said Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC), in a statement.

Signatories to the statement, released on the final day of the B.C. Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, said they welcomed Premier David Eby’s vision for cutting red tape, speeding up decision-making, and ensuring the government is no longer working at cross purposes to industry as a way to encourage growth.

“We agree with Premier Eby’s recent statement that, ‘we can’t pour from an empty cup,’ and support the vision of increasing the prosperity of the province by developing resources,” the statement said.

“To make and track progress, we look to the government for clear commitments and metrics to measure success. This includes regularly engaging with industry, working towards efficient regulatory processes, and encouraging investment across all resource sectors: agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, mining, and natural gas.”

Among the resource industries facing unprecedented challenges, particularly from the federal government, is B.C.’s salmon farming sector.

At its height, this sector represented the largest agri-food export in B.C., employing around 6,500 people, contributing approximately $2 billion to the provincial economy, and working in partnership with several First Nations.

Over the past few years, the Trudeau administration – rejecting the findings of its own fisheries scientists, which state that ocean salmon farms pose less than a minimal threat to wild stocks – has shut down approximately 40% of the sector’s production.

It is now advancing a reckless Transition Plan that will unleash widespread economic devastation in B.C., leaving taxpayers on the hook for an estimated $9 billion in compensation to existing salmon farmers, suppliers, and First Nations.

The activist-driven Transition Plan, which includes a ban on ocean salmon farming post-2029, will destroy 4,560 jobs and adversely impact over 1,000 Indigenous people directly and indirectly employed by the sector, according to a recent economic analysis. Over 1,400 companies and vendors in the sector’s supply chain will sustain losses of $437 million, with some having to shut down operations, the analysis projected.

The B.C. Salmon Farmers Association and the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship have urged the Trudeau government to consider their more realistic, no-cost-to-taxpayers alternative to transition – one that achieves the same outcomes as a ban without imposing devastating impacts on the sector, on First Nations’ rights, and on coastal communities in B.C.

With this alternative plan, “B.C. Salmon Farmers could generate $2.5 billion in output, $930 million in GDP, and 9,000 jobs paying $560 million in wages by 2030 and $4.2 billion in output by 2040, providing sustainable local protein while protecting wild salmon using innovative technologies and practices,” said Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BCSFA.

The Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship (FNFFS) has also released a comprehensive report to emphasize that the future of salmon farming in B.C. must be determined by First Nations who want to farm fish in their traditional territories.

Here are some of the insights shared by other leaders in the province’s business and resource sectors at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum:

“Natural resources are the backbone of British Columbia’s economy, creating the jobs, energy, and opportunities that sustain healthy lives for all residents. From powering our homes to funding schools and hospitals, these industries ensure a strong foundation for communities to thrive.” – Stewart Muir, CEO, Resource Works.
“Reducing barriers and investing in agriculture will strengthen food security and support our farmers and ranchers’ competitiveness moving forward.” – Danielle Synotte, Executive Director, BC Agriculture Council.
“While natural gas and oil currently account for about 22% of British Columbia’s trade with the United States, the province is ideally positioned to become one of the world’s most significant energy export hubs. Now more than ever, it is crucial to expand access to international markets for these valuable resources.” – Lisa Baiton, President and CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
“Today’s mineral exploration projects are tomorrow’s critical minerals mines. Association for Mineral Exploration members are asking government to make B.C. more investable by bringing faster clarity and certainty to regulatory decisions.” – Keerit Jutla, President and CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration (AME).
“The First Nations LNG Alliance fully supports responsible resource development as a path to economic opportunity, reconciliation, and shared prosperity. By streamlining approvals and fostering investment, we can ensure that Indigenous communities are active partners and beneficiaries in building a stronger, more resilient economy for all.” – Crystal Smith, Chair, First Nations LNG Alliance.
“Propane drives economic growth by supporting jobs across the supply chain, from production and transportation to retail and services. We look forward to working with the provincial government on ensuring an equitable energy future for all British Columbians.” – Shannon Watt, President & CEO, Canadian Propane Association.