Tag Archives: Gord Johns

Fisheries

COVID-19 Relief Aid For Fish Harvesters

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The federal government released details of long-anticipated COVID-19 relief aid for fish harvesters Wednesday.

But critics argue that while the government was slow to deliver the programs, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) expects commercial fish harvesters to apply quickly, and right in the middle of fishing season. The relief programs may also shut out some new fishers carrying heavy debt, they say.

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Fisheries

BC’s Fishing Industry Needs A Lifeline

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wes Erikson has spent his entire life working the waters of B.C.’s west coast, working gruelling hours on deck in some of the worst kinds of weather.

A fourth-generation commercial fisherman, Erikson started fishing on his father’s vessel at the age of five, graduating to paid deckhand by age eight. By 19, he’d purchased his first boat — and its associated halibut licence.

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Fisheries

Stop Using Open-Net Pens For Salmon Farming

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A First Nations leadership alliance is calling for the immediate end to salmon farming using open-net pens in B.C. waters, citing the threat of sea lice to wild fish stocks.

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Politics

The NDP candidate for North Island-Powell River

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Roy L Hales
Screen-shot-2014-03-18-at-3.43.47-PM1For the past two decades, the majority of British Columbia’s MPs have been Conservatives. Recent polls show that is about to change. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is poised to take over as many as 23 seats in the Federal election this October. One of the important political battles will be fought by Rachel Blaney, the NDP candidate for North Island-Powell River.

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