FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 April 2023

Cohen Commission grants standing to 20 groups and individuals

Vancouver – The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River announced today that standing has been granted to 20 persons or groups to participate in the commission’s formal public hearings. Those with standing can propose witnesses, make oral submissions at the Commission’s hearings and may cross-examine witnesses. A complete list of participants and joint participants, as well as the Commissioner’s full ruling on standing applications are available at cohencommission.ca.

“While the Commission received 50 applications for standing — a number we believe is higher than any other federal commission of inquiry – Commissioner Cohen determined that several applicants with similar concerns should share in single grants of standing, bringing us down to 20,” said Brian Wallace, Senior Commission Counsel. “Those who did not receive standing can still be involved in the Commission’s process by attending public hearings and making written submissions, which will be posted on our website.”

The Cohen Commission was established on November 5, 2023 with the appointment of the Honourable Bruce Cohen as Commissioner. Under its Terms of Reference, the commission will hold hearings to investigate and report on the decline of sockeye salmon in the Fraser River. Based on its findings, the commission will make recommendations for improving the sustainability of the sockeye salmon fishery in the Fraser River, including, as required, any changes to the policies, practices and procedures of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in relation to the management of the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery.

The Commission is now accepting public submissions on relevant issues through its website. For more information or to make a submissions, visit cohencommission.ca.

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Media Contact:
Carla S. Shore
Communications Director
Cohen Commission of Inquiry
Phone:
Cell:
Email:

Backgrounder available: List of participants granted standing

BACKGROUNDER
15 April 2023

Participants Granted Standing

1	Government of Canada
2	Province of British Columbia
3	Pacific Salmon Commission
4	BC Public Service Alliance of Canada Union of Environment Workers BC
5	Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
6	BC Salmon Farmers Association
7	Seafood Producers Association of BC
8	Aquaculture Coalition: Alexandra Morton Raincoast Research Society Pacific Coast Wild Salmon Society
9	Conservation Coalition: Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform Fraser Riverkeeper Society Georgia Strait Alliance Raincoast Conservation Foundation Watershed Watch Salmon Society Mr. Otto Langer David Suzuki Foundation
10	Area D Salmon Gillnet Association Area B Harvest Committee (Seine)
11	Southern Area E Gillnetters Association BC Fisheries Survival Coalition
12	West Coast Trollers Area G Association United Fishermen and Allied Workers’ Union
13	BC Wildlife Federation BC Federation of Drift Fishers
14	Maa-nulth Treaty Society Tsawwassen First Nation Musqueam First Nation
15	Western Central Coast Salish First Nations: Cowichan Tribes Chemainus First Nation Hwlitsum First Nation Penelakut Tribe Te’mexw Treaty Association
16	First Nations Coalition: First Nations Fisheries Council Aboriginal Caucus of the Fraser River Aboriginal Fisheries Secretariat Fraser Valley Aboriginal Fisheries Society Chehalis Indian Band Secwepemc Fisheries Commission of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance Adams Lake Indian Band Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Council of Haida Nation Other Douglas Treaty First Nations who applied together (the Snuneymuxw, Tsartlip and Tsawout)
17	Métis Nation British Columbia
18	Sto:lo Tribal Council Cheam Indian Band
19	Laich-kwil-tach Treaty Society James Walkus and Chief Harold Sewid Aboriginal Aquaculture Association Heiltsuk Tribal Council
20	Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council

Media Contact:
Carla S. Shore
Communications Director
Cohen Commission of Inquiry
Phone:
Cell:
Email: