Hundreds gather in Campbell River to support local food bank and push back on federal plan to phase out ocean salmon farming, warning of job losses and deepening hardship in coastal BC communities.
By SeaWestNews
Amidst rising food insecurity, hundreds gathered in Campbell River this week not just to share a meal, but to make a point to Prime Minister Mark Carney that his “Build Canada” plan is out of step with the realities facing aquaculture-dependent coastal communities in British Columbia.
At the annual Community Appreciation BBQ hosted by the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA), residents, Indigenous leaders, local businesses, and volunteers came together to raise a record $7,000 for the Campbell River Food Bank.
While the focus was on community support, many used the opportunity to call out Ottawa’s proposed 2029 deadline to phase out ocean-based salmon farming —a decision that ignores science, disrupts Indigenous partnerships, and jeopardizes thousands of well-paying jobs.
“Hunger remains a serious concern in Campbell River and the surrounding district,” said Joanne Watson, Executive Director of the Campbell River 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. We’re truly grateful to the Campbell River community for standing with us and supporting our neighbours in need,” she said.
The event also opened up important conversations about what the future of salmon farming means for people living and working in British Columbia’s coastal communities.
“This BBQ is about showing appreciation, 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.”
Alongside the salmon meals served at the park, guests visited interactive booths, tried out virtual reality farm tours, and engaged with science-based displays. Many voiced support for both the Campbell River Food Bank and the salmon farming industry, while raising concerns about Ottawa’s plan to remove ocean-based farms by 2029.
“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,” said Kingzett.
Salmon farming in BC supports over 4,560 full-time jobs, mostly in rural and coastal areas, and adds $1.17 billion each year to the province’s economy. It also provides 380 million low-carbon, locally raised meals annually.
“We’re proud to be part of Canada’s agriculture sector, producing healthy food for Canadians,” Kingzett added.
“As farmers, we have a responsibility to support food banks so that families in our communities continue to have access to nutritious food. We look forward to hosting the BBQ again next year in support of the food bank.”
(Main image shows attendees at the BCSFA Community Appreciation BBQ in Campbell River)