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MP credits community for reversing DFO cuts

Salmonids in the Classroom program and Resource Restoration Unit will continue

Back in 1977, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) launched the Salmonid Enhancement program in British Columbia, and made citizens key partners in efforts to reverse the decline of all pacific salmon species as well as cutthroat and steelhead trout. A few weeks ago, this relationship was rocked by news that DFO was cutting key aspects of this funding. On June 15, North Vancouver MP Terry Beech reported to the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans that there will be no changes to the Salmonid Enhancement program, and West Vancouver Sea-to-Sky MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones credited community action on the issue for this change.

“This is very good news for us. I am grateful to the hundreds of community volunteers whose passion and deep knowledge of wild salmon and wild salmon habitat helped me and my colleagues to portray the importance of the restoration work supported by the Salmonid Enhancement Program,” stated Goldsmith-Jones. “Minister LeBlanc fought for BC, and for the critical role the DFO staff play in the classroom and in the restoration units, to attract millions of dollars in funding from numerous community partners, and to encourage and support thousands of volunteers who do the actual work of salmon habitat restoration.”

Locally, the President of the Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club, Tim Pardee, simply says he is thrilled that the Salmonid in the Classroom Program and the work of the Resource Restoration Unit will continue.