CAMPBELL RIVER, Feb 28, 2022 - Pacific Region fish harvesters are suffering the most decimating set of closures in BC commercial fishing history with zero emergency or transitional supports in place. Despite nearly $360 million dedicated to current emergency and transitional support for forestry and agriculture workers impacted by climate change and new environmental policies, […]
CAMPBELL RIVER, Feb 28, 2022 - Pacific Region fish harvesters are suffering the most decimating set of closures in BC commercial fishing history with zero emergency or transitional supports in place. Despite nearly $360 million dedicated to current emergency and transitional support for forestry and agriculture workers impacted by climate change and new environmental policies, […]
Unions representing fish harvesters on both coasts of Canada are speaking out today against Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, for the single-minded method by which the portfolio is being managed. The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor) of Newfoundland and Labrador and the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union (UFAWU-Unifor) of British […]
CAMPBELL RIVER, Dec 17, 2021 — Yesterday, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard Joyce Murray announced a new approach to Pacific herring management that will see “most commercial fisheries for Pacific herring closed” in yet another severe blow to BC commercial harvesters and their communities. “Everyone has been blindsided by this announcement,” UFAWU-Unifor […]
Dear Minister, Re: Pacific Herring Commercial Fisheries UFAWU-Unifor is deeply concerned about the delay of the 2021/2022 Pacific Herring commercial fishing season. Our members and associate organizations rely on an expectation of sound and timely decision-making from your office, and we ask that you act on the recommendations put before you. We support DFO’s mission […]
PRINCE RUPERT, Oct 29, 2021 — The Cowichan Bay Fishermen’s Wharf Association has announced it will not charge moorage fees to harvesters financially impacted by a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) decision to abruptly close many of British Columbia’s salmon fisheries. “This choice has been made following the arbitrary and devastating decision made by the […]
PRINCE RUPERT, Oct 5, 2021 — A recent UFAWU-Unifor online survey for commercial salmon harvesters has found that fishers and their families have been financially devastated by the abrupt closure of many B.C. salmon fisheries. The survey, which was open to both members and non-members of UFAWU-Unifor, found that of the many impacts of the […]
PRINCE RUPERT, Sept 9, 2021 — Following months of delays, online application problems, and little DFO assistance, UFAWU-Unifor is calling for an extension to the second Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant Program application and appeal deadline. “The COVID-19 pandemic caused a market collapse and prevented harvesting in many areas,” UFAWU-Unifor President James Lawson says. “Everyone […]
The following statement is supported by a coalition of fish harvester organizations made up of B.C. Northern Trollers Association, Area C Harvest Committee, Area D Gillnet Association, Area D Harvest Committee, Area E Gillnet Association, Area E Harvest Committee, Area F Harvest Committee, Area G Harvest Committee, Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation, Canadian Sablefish Association, […]
PRINCE RUPERT, June 29, 2021 — Today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the closures of 79 salmon fisheries as part of phase two of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) — leaving UFAWU-Unifor worried about the future of commercial salmon harvesters. "Today's closure announcements are deeply concerning. The abruptness of the announcement, and lack […]
PRINCE RUPERT, June 8, 2021 — Today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the introduction of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) — an initiative aiming to “stop Pacific salmon declines now, while helping rebuild stocks over the longer term.” UFAWU-Unifor appreciates that DFO is addressing the current salmon crises. It is crucial that steps […]
In response to the ongoing environmental and socio-economic devastation of British Columbia’s commercial salmon fishing industry, a comprehensive report on the fishery’s future has been released by UFAWU-Unifor and a number of other B.C. salmon organizations. The report recommends increased DFO transparency in many aspects of fishery management, as well as increased support from the […]