Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially announced his new cabinet and has appointed Joanne Thompson as the nation's minister of fisheries.
That move, along with the removal of Jonathan Wilkinson, the former minister of energy and natural resources, has encouraged members of the Canadian aquaculture sector that expressed frustration at the previous cabinet's decision to phase out salmon farming in British Columbia, among other decisions.
Carney announced his new cabinet on 13 May, saying that his government “is built to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve."
"Everyone is expected and empowered to show leadership – to bring new ideas, a clear focus, and decisive action to their work," he said.
The British Columbia Salmon Farmers (BCSF) association praised Thompson’s appointment and said in a statement it hoped the government would now change course and work “in true partnership with Rights Holder First Nations.”
“If a clear signal is provided that there is a future for salmon farming in BC, including rescinding the ban on marine net pens by 2029, our sector stands ready to invest, innovate, and grow while continuing to respect the lands and waters where we operate,” the BCSF said.
The Kitasoo Xai’xais (KX) First Nations group praised the removal of Wilkinson, saying that he had chosen not to work with rights-holding First Nations on the nation’s salmon policies.
The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) also praised the change in direction, saying in a statement that “a renewed focus on economic development across Canada is very welcome.”
“For over 20 years, Canada has flatlined in aquaculture production growth while using only a small fragment of our biophysical potential. Canada needs a new vision for aquaculture development and renewed government leadership to get Canada to the next level of production and excellence in aquaculture production,” the organization said. “The aquaculture community in Canada is ambitious and wants to get to work to build a strong and flourishing aquaculture sector as part of a stronger Canada."
