The Canadian government is tabling salmon-fishery talks with British Columbia First Nations pending the results of an inquiry into declining salmon stocks in the province.
Fisheries Minister Gail Shea on Tuesday released a statement explaining the decision to await the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the decline of sockeye salmon in the Fraser River. Until then, treaty negotiations will be halted. The deferral will allow for negotiations to be staged so that fish chapters in treaties can be informed of the findings and recommendations.
“The findings of the Commission of Inquiry may have implications for management of other Pacific salmon fisheries, and it is therefore prudent to defer negotiations on the fisheries components of treaties in British Columbia,” said Shea. “The deferral will not affect late-stage final-agreement negotiations with Yale First Nation, Sliammon First Nation and In-SHUCK-ch Nation, which have reached this final stage after years of good faith discussions between all parties in the BC treaty process.”
The Canadian government will continue to work with all interested parties to consider issues related to conservation and sustainability of this key resource for all Canadians.
Minister Shea will continue to manage and authorize B.C. salmon fisheries, including First Nations’ allocations of salmon for food, social and ceremonial purposes, and all participation in integrated commercial fisheries.
The commission is expected to produce an interim report by August, with the final report following in May 2011.
