Cohen Commission to hold three days of hearings on ISAv testing December 15, 16 and 19
MEDIA ALERT
December 2, 2023
(Vancouver) The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River will hold three additional days of evidentiary hearings December 15, 16 and 19 in Vancouver to put new information about recent testing for the ISA virus in BC on the commission’s record.
Currently scheduled witnesses are:
Panel 1 (December 15 & 16):
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Dr. Fred Kibenge, Chairman, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island
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Dr. Are Nylund, Professor, University of Bergen, Norway( Dec. 15 only)
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Mrs. Nellie Gagné, Molecular Biology Scientist and Laboratory Supervisor, DFO, Moncton
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Dr. Kristi Miller, Head Molecular Genetics, DFO, Nanaimo (Dec. 15 only)
Panel 2 (December 16 & 19):
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Dr. Kim C. Klotins, Acting National Manager, Disease Control Contingency Planning, Aquatic Animal Health Division, CFIA, Ottawa
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Dr. Peter Wright, National Manager, National Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory System, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Moncton
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Dr. Simon Jones, Research Scientist, DFO, Nanaimo
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Mr. Stephen Stephen, Director Biotechnology and Aquatic Animal Health Sciences Branch, DFO, Ottawa
These hearings will be held in the Asia Pacific Hall at the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue at 580 West Hastings Street in Vancouver. On December 15, hearings will be held from 9 am to 4 pm. On December 16 and 19 hearings will be held from 10 am to 4 pm. Hearings are open to the public however seating may be limited. Media recording or broadcasting of the hearings may be allowed with advance arrangements. To discuss, contact Carla Shore at or .
About the Cohen Commission
The Cohen Commission (cohencommission.ca) 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 future 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’s final report must be submitted on or before June 30, 2012.
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Media Contact:
Carla S. Shore
Communications Director
Cohen Commission of Inquiry
Phone:
Cell:
Email: