Lack Of Action Means Lost Opportunity On Sustainable Aquaculture
VICTORIA— Three years after an all-party committee reported back to the legislature, the B.C. Liberals are no closer to fostering a sustainable aquaculture industry and protecting wild salmon in British Columbia’s waters, say the New Democrats.
And opposition agriculture critic Lana Popham said that’s a loss for the economy and the environment.
Lana Popham
“Transitioning to a real sustainable aquaculture industry means developing long-term, green jobs,” said Popham, the New Democrat MLA for Saanich South.
“We are missing a tremendous opportunity when it comes to green jobs because of the lack of action from the B.C. Liberals. At a time when consumers are looking for green choices, British Columbia could be a world leader in sustainable aquaculture, but instead, we’re falling behind.”
Among the recommendations from the aquaculture committee was a plan to phase in a requirement for closed containment technology. Recently, the Overwaitea Food Group announced it would be selling freshwater coho from Aquaseed, a commercially viable closed containment system. Aquaseed is based in Washington state.
“Had the B.C. Liberals taken some action three years ago, British Columbia could be in the position today to supply the market for salmon farmed from closed containment systems,” said opposition environment critic 
Rob FlemingRob Fleming . “Instead, Canadian retailers are buying from American companies.
“That’s a loss of jobs and it’s a classic case of what happens when you refuse to innovate.”
The federal New Democrats introduced a bill in Ottawa calling for a transition to closed containment, and a report by independent consultant Andrew Wright shows that land-based closed containment systems are economically, environmentally and technically feasible. Opposition aboriginal relations critic Bob Simpson said that’s all the more reason that the government needs to take bold steps toward supporting a sustainable aquaculture industry.
“The sustainable aquaculture committee laid out a roadmap for developing an industry that 
Bob Simpsonmakes economic sense while still protecting the wild salmon that all British Columbians value,” said Simpson.
“The refusal by the B.C. Liberals to protect wild salmon is a complete and utter abdication of their environmental responsibilities. It’s further proof of the hypocrisy of the Liberals on the environment.”
Carole James and the New Democrats are advocating for positive environmental solutions, including a Green Fund which would see $150 million a year of carbon tax revenue directed towards climate change solutions and transit improvements in communities across the province.
