Keep the promise to get rid of open-pen fish farms

Photo: Kelly Roebuck

Phone the prime minister today

We make calling the prime minister easy. Fill in the fields like our email campaigns and hit the button. Your phone will ring, then pick up and you’ll be connected with the PM’s office!

Usually you can leave a voicemail, but you might reach an assistant. Make sure you leave your contact details for followup. Your voice makes a difference.

• I was relieved when I heard the federal government committed to transition British Columbia’s aquaculture sector from open-net pen fish farms by 2025.
• Rumours that licences could be renewed for two to six years are disturbing. Don’t break the promise in your mandate letter to the fisheries minister to transition from open-net pens by 2025.
• Decades of research show fish farms increase the risk of diseases and parasites that adversely affect wild salmon.
• I’m not alone. A broad cross-section of groups want to remove open-net pens from B.C. coastal waters, including more than 100 B.C. First Nations, 75 per cent of British Columbians, the First Nations Leadership Council and the Pacific Salmon Foundation

Some tips for the call:

• Introduce yourself (e.g., I’m a grandmother, immigrant, farmer, student, etc.)
• Be respectful but firm — elected representatives and their staff are part of our democratic system. Hearing from a respectful and engaged constituent creates a strong signal.
• Ask for a response and provide them with return contact information.
• Say “Thank you for your time and attention.”