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Prior to the Discovery Islands’ decision, the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) unveiled plans to invest $1.4 billion in innovation, new technology and infrastructure through 2050 and create almost 10,000 new jobs.
Several projects outlined in the plan, aimed to propel the post-pandemic recovery of B.C., are now being reconsidered.
In addition to the job losses, BCSFA estimates the closures will also result in the loss of $379.7 million in economic output, a labour income loss of $84.6 million and a tax hit amounting to $21 million for B.C. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of BC will ultimately shrink by $135.6 million as a result of the decision.
“At a time when people and communities are fighting a pandemic, the aquaculture industry offers sustainable answers to those challenges…it demands that this ill-conceived decision needs rethinking,” said Greg D’Avignon, President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia.
