A new economic impact report by RIAS Inc., commissioned by the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA), warns that the Trudeau government’s proposed ban on open-net salmon farming in British Columbia could cost Canadian taxpayers up to $9 billion. The report estimates annual losses of $1.17 billion in economic activity, $435 million in GDP, and the elimination of 50,000 tonnes of farmed salmon. It also highlights the potential loss of 4,560 full-time jobs, many of them in coastal and Indigenous communities that rely on the industry for economic stability.
The Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship, representing coastal Indigenous communities, argues that the ban would undermine their rights, title, and self-determination. The group warns of devastating social costs, including increased poverty, mental health issues, and loss of livelihoods. They propose an alternative, Indigenous-led transition plan that balances economic sustainability with environmental responsibility.
Critics also argue that the government’s push for unproven closed-containment technologies is unrealistic and could further harm the sector. Federal scientists have consistently found that salmon farms pose minimal risk to wild salmon populations, contradicting claims made by anti-farming activists. The BCSFA and the Coalition urge the government to reconsider its approach and work with First Nations to find a more viable, sustainable solution.
