Minister Tables Cohen Commission Final Report in the House of Commons

The Inquiry was led by British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Bruce Cohen and called in 2009.

I was pleased today to table Justice Cohens report in the House of Commons, said Minister Shea. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank Justice Cohen and his team for their hard work and dedication in putting together this extensive report.

The extensive report gives a thorough treatment to the many complex factors that contribute to the health of salmon in British Columbia. Many people contributed to the Commissioners study including scientists, academics, commercial and recreational fishermen, members of the aquaculture industry, First Nations and Aboriginal communities, environmentalists, federal and provincial government officials, and members of the public.

Our Government recognises the cultural and economic importance of salmon to British Columbia and we remain committed to the viability of the salmon fishery in British Columbia, said Member of Parliament for Pitt MeadowsMaple RidgeMission Randy Kamp and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

We will continue to work with stakeholders and partners, and review the Justice Cohens findings and recommendations very carefully. I want to assure Canadians that we, like all British Columbians, want to see a sustainable and prosperous salmon fishery for years to come.

For a copy of the report, please visit: http://www.cohencommission.ca/en/