Liǧʷiłdaxʷ TERRITORY/CAMPBELL RIVER, BC —The annual Community Appreciation BBQ, hosted by the BC Salmon Farmers Association, brought families, local businesses, and volunteers together at Robert V. Ostler Park. The community’s shared commitment to supporting those in need was at the heart of the event, as the annual BBQ raised a record $7,000 for the Campbell River Food Bank. Volunteers from the Campbell River Food Bank helped serve meals and raise awareness about the growing need for food assistance.
“Hunger remains a serious concern in Campbell River and the surrounding district,” said Joanne Watson, Executive Director of the Campbell River Food Bank. “In our region, more families are struggling to put nutritious food on the table than ever before. This generous donation helps us provide high-demand items like protein, which are essential for good health. We’re truly grateful to the Campbell River community for standing with us and supporting our neighbours in need.”
The event also offered meaningful dialogue regarding the future of salmon farming in British Columbia.
“The community appreciation BBQ is about gratitude, but this year, it was also about concern,” said Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “We heard directly from community members worried about food affordability and job security.”
While attendees enjoyed fresh and local farm-raised salmon, they also explored interactive learning booths, virtual reality tours of farms, and scientific educational exhibits. Community members voiced their support for the Campbell River Food Bank and the salmon farming sector, expressing worry over the federal government’s plan to phase out ocean-based salmon farms by 2029.
“With a newly elected and appointed federal government, now is the time to rethink this policy before lasting damage is done to local economies, Indigenous partnerships, and Canada’s food security,” said Kingzett.
Salmon farming in BC supports more than 4,560 full-time jobs, many in remote coastal communities. It contributes $1.17 billion annually to the provincial economy and 380 million lower-carbon, locally grown meals annually.
“We’re proud to be part of Canada’s agriculture sector, producing healthy food for Canadians. As farmers, we must continue to support the food banks to ensure our local communities have continued access to healthy food,” said Kingzett. “We look forward to continuing our annual BBQ in support of the food bank next year.”
To donate to the Campbell River Food Bank, visit: crfoodbank.ca.
ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION
The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents nearly 60 businesses and organizations throughout the value chain of finfish aquaculture in BC. Our members account for over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon in British Columbia.
Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.17 billion for the provincial economy, supporting 4,560 well-paid full-time jobs. Additionally, farm-raised salmon provides a nutritious and high-quality protein that contributes to Canada’s food security and the Blue Economy.
BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation. All farms operating in BC are currently in agreement, negotiation, or established partnerships with First Nations in whose territories we operate. These agreements are founded upon recognizing First Nations’ right to exercise jurisdiction over the land, resources, and waters within their territories.
For more information, visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
For a comprehensive scientific summary of salmon farming in BC, read our Modern Science Review.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Franze
Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community
michelle@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-4417
PHOTO CUTLINES
North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn wearing Cermaq Canada’s virtual reality goggles to tour a salmon farm.
BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences hosting an information booth.
Farm-raised Atlantic salmon on the BBQ.
Chef Pierre grilling farm-raised Atlantic salmon on the BBQ.
Young Salmon Farmers of BC hosting a giveaway booth.
Attendees at the BCSFA Community Appreciation BBQ.
Sector representatives, BC CAHS, and Mainstream Biological Consulting at the BC Salmon Farmers’ ‘Ask Us Anything’ booth.
Campbell River Food Bank volunteers collecting donations.