Ensure the long-term stability of projects dedicated to the recovery of wild salmon (BCSRIF)

Since 2019, the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) has been the catalyst for 170 projects to safeguard and recover Pacific salmon in coastal BC. Several projects funded by BC SRIF have been recognized by UNESCO as major contributors to the UN Ocean Decade, highlighting their importance to global marine health. The fund has supported over 3,500 jobs across urban and rural BC, and provided training for 2,700 people. 

It’s set to expire at the end of March. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney committed to renewing and increasing funding for it in his 2025 election platform.

Its expiration would impact ongoing work across BC to restore salmon habitat and stall innovative research into how we can modernize our approach to monitoring salmon populations. 

It would also put thousands of Canadians out of work and stymie real progress towards a coastal restoration economy.  

We call on the federal government to make good on its promise to protect BC SRIF to ensure the long-term stability of projects dedicated to the recovery of wild salmon. 

Contact the Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson to urge her to safeguard this critical funding. 

Action letter

Subject: Invest to protect our wild salmon

To: joanne [dot] thompson [at] parl [dot] gc [dot] ca 

Dear Minister Thompson,

I am writing to you today as a concerned resident of [Your City/Town] to urge the federal government to fulfill its promise to protect our wild Pacific salmon.

Specifically, I am asking that the government renew and increase funding for the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF), as committed to in Prime Minister Carney’s 2025 election platform.

Pacific salmon are more than just a fish; they are the backbone of BC’s identity, economy, and environment. I support the work being done by organizations like the Raincoast Conservation Foundation because:

• Real Results: BCSRIF has already funded massive successes, such as restoring migration pathways in the Fraser River Estuary that were blocked for over a century.
• Economic Stability: This fund has supported over 3,500 jobs and provided specialized training for thousands of British Columbians.
• Reconciliation in Action: This program empowers First Nations through Indigenous Guardians Programs and co-management projects, which is vital for long-term watershed health.

The challenges facing our salmon are growing, not shrinking. If we want wild salmon to remain a vibrant part of our culture and economy for generations to come, we must invest in the people doing the hard work on the ground today.

I look forward to seeing the government make good on its commitment to increase BCSRIF in the upcoming federal budget. Our salmon, and the communities that depend on them, cannot wait.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name] [Your Postal Code – Important for verifying you are a constituent] [Your Phone Number]