moved for leave to introduce Bill C-225, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act (closed containment aquaculture).
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to re-introduce a bill which aims to strengthen the Fisheries Act by requiring British Columbia fish farms to move from harmful open net pens to safe closed containment systems.
My bill would direct the fisheries and oceans minister to develop, table and implement a transition plan to move to closed containment. The plan would also ensure that those currently working in the industry would be protected during this transition.
The people of British Columbia have been clear on this issue. They want to protect wild salmon for generations to come. Thousands of people have signed petitions or postcards urging the federal government to adopt this legislation.
The economic opportunities are real. We have the potential to be leaders in closed containment technology. Amending the Fisheries act and moving to closed containment is a step in the right direction.
I hope all members of the House will join me in supporting the bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)