At the time of this publication, British Columbia still awaits the final draft of a transition plan to remove salmon net pens from federal waters by 2029. The Canadian government published its draft plan in September last year and said the final draft of this plan would soon follow in “early 2025” after a thorough public consultation process. One year later and the industry is still waiting with baited breath.
A lot has happened since then. The United States administration’s tariffs on the global economy and continued threats of making Canada its 51st state has bolstered political will for Canada to be more economically independent from its southern neighbour.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Cabinet Ministry has since expressed their priority to strengthen domestic supply chains, especially the steel, softwood lumber, and agriculture industries. But where does seafood and aquaculture fit into this?
The Canadian government makes one mention to seafood as part of its new measures “to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries.” The document acknowledges the toll these shifting trade policies have had to “key sectors like grain, fish and seafood.” Then, the paragraph goes on to outline a plan to invest in AgriMarketing and trade diversification measures to build Canada’s reputation abroad.
I tried to read on, hoping that it wasn’t the one and only mention of our sector, but the next paragraph already moves on to talk about increasing loan limits for canola producers. For those who are curious, the government is introducing new biofuel production incentives with more than C$370 million (US$263.2 million) allocated over two years in order for that industry to restructure their value chains.
“Canadian farmers work tirelessly to produce the best products in the world. Our government stands with them, and we will continue to push for fair market access, boost our competitiveness, and help producers manage the impacts of a changing global trade environment,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in the government’s press release.
Meanwhile, the aquaculture sector continues to await a transition plan that promises to remove its current B.C. operations by June 2029, which is about three and a half years from now.
After watching this saga unfold, it’s not hard to imagine how helpless and frustrated this industry probably feels. Leaders in the Canadian government continue to dangle a carrot in front of the industry. Or more accurately, they are dangling a draft plan of a carrot that says it will be good for everyone.
I wasn’t in attendance at this year’s Cold Harvest conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Fisheries and Oceans Canada Min. Joanne Thompson, was scheduled to make an address at the event. Our Salmon Farming: Inside & Out podcast host, Ian Roberts, even extended an invite to chat with the minister. But less than a week before the event, we hear from the minister’s office that they have pulled out of the event altogether.
I hestitate to draw unfounded conclusions but I also think I’m safe in inferring that their priorities do not lie with aquaculture. But plan or no plan, apathy will be the true nail in the coffin for this industry, so we hope you stay engaged. Canadians voted for a government that is meant to represent their interests. In the meantime, share your thoughts with me at jkodin@annexbusinessmedia.com.