(OTTAWA) – The Green Party of Canada is alarmed at reports that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is cutting key programs that help protect Pacific salmon runs.

According to a leaked internal memo, three elements of the Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) are being cut without proper consultation, and include:

the education and community support programs;

the resource restoration components, and

Steelhead and Cutthroat trout production at hatcheries.

“If true, this decision is devastating to conservation organizations in BC like Peninsula Streams Society that have worked hard in partnership with DFO to save Pacific salmon runs and educate on salmon conservation,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “I call on MInister of Fisheries and Oceans Dominic Leblanc to reverse these cuts and allow salmon conservation organizations on the Pacific coast to continue their excellent and critical work.”

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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Dan Palmer

Press Secretary | Attaché de presse

dan.palmer@greenparty.ca

m: (613) 614-4916