Vancouver, BC - From October 13-17, 2025, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, participated in multi-day tour of British Columbia and Yukon, engaging with Indigenous leaders, fishery stakeholders, and scientific experts on shared priorities in conservation, trade, reconciliation, and fisheries modernization.
In Port Moody, the Minister toured the Mossom Creek Hatchery and Education Centre, a community-operated facility supported by the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI), which supports salmon enhancement, education, and stewardship. She also visited the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre in West Vancouver, learning about cutting-edge aquatic research and innovative partnerships advancing conservation science.
In Vancouver, the Minister met with the BC Crab Fishermen's Association to discuss commercial crab fishing, reconciliation, and trade. The meeting underscored the importance of engaging stakeholders in shaping the future of Canada's fisheries. The Minister heard about the challenges faced by the industry, as well as opportunities for growth and diversification.
In Yukon, the Minister met with the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee to discuss salmon recovery and habitat protection, emphasizing collaboration to address impacts from hydroelectric dams and mining.
The Minister met with the First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance to discuss open net-pen aquaculture and reaffirm the Department's commitment to working with Indigenous communities on sustainable fisheries. In Whitehorse, she engaged with the Council of Yukon First Nations to hear perspectives on salmon conservation and collaborative stewardship in northern watersheds.
Reconciliation was a central theme throughout the tour. The Minister held bilateral meetings with Indigenous leaders from the Musqueam Indian Band, Tsawwassen First Nation, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, reaffirming the Department's commitment to upholding treaty obligations and engaging in transparent, respectful consultation.
The Minister's visit demonstrated the value of partnership, dialogue, and shared stewardship in building a resilient, prosperous and inclusive future for Canada's fisheries and oceans.
