10 TENURES under scrutiny
to the aquaculture land use policy which lays out consultation processes. “Currently, there is a
required First Nations involvement in the tenure process,” he explains. “There are a number of consultation requirements that the Crown undertakes and some requirements for the companies to participate in those consultations, which our members are more than happy to do.” Dunn says salmon farmers
have 20 working agreements with the First Nations in whose territories they operate, something that’s not required by legislation.
“I think our members go
beyond what the rules are around consultation,” he says. “In many cases, our members
have developed First Nation partnerships that include benefit agreements for a majority of their farm sites.” The exception is the
Broughton Archipelago, where Dunn says, frankly, “[We] don’t have a good working relationship.” The blame falls squarely on First Nations, he says. “There have been a great number of attempts at consultation and the First Nations there have been less than willing to engage in constructive dialogue.” Behind the stern tone of
Popham’s letter is the prospect of new rules that would strengthen the province’s efforts to improve relationships with BC’s Indigenous peoples. She reminded Marine Harvest –
and by extension, agriculture as a whole – that tenure holders are beholden to the province. Popham told Marine Harvest not to take its license for granted. “Whatever operational decisions you should choose to make, the Province retains all of its rights under the current tenure agreements, including potentially the requirement that you return possession of tenured sites at the end of the current terms,” she write. “My colleagues from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will be in touch with you to describe the process for you to initiate applications for replacement tenures.” Whether or not the rules will in fact change is
unknown. Backlash against the threat to tenures, as well as subsequent comments Popham made casting aspersion on the work of provincial studies of fish farm operations, saw Premier John Horgan’s office assume management of the file. Horgan also supports a review of open-net fish farm licenses, and has asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for Ottawa's assistance in resolving the tenure issue. Still, the possibility of change is raising questions for salmon farmers as well as ranchers. “We are trying to find out what our future pathway looks like,” says Dunn. “While the government is on record for saying they don’t see UNDRIP as a veto for First Nations, they
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • DECEMBER 2017 nfrom page 9
are also on record saying they want a new relationship and they want to change the way things are done with First Nations. … But what does that look like?” BC Cattleman’s Association general manager Kevin Boon is equally unsure. “If UNDRIP does not give
First Nations a veto on the tenure process, then what?” he asks. “What are the parameters?” Boon says this is something he will discuss further with his board and with the government. First Nations are also being
January 25th-27th, BC,S LARGEST AGRICULTURE EVENT CELEBRATES 20 YEARS! See you at the show. 2018 Tradex Exhibition Centre Abbotsford, BC
left in the lurch, adds Dunn. “We have many First Nations businesses contracted to the sector wondering what the future looks like,” Dunn says. “Right now, unfortunately, we can’t give them a very solid answer. That is something we are hoping to change soon.” Ranchers and salmon farmers both plan significant investment in the coming years. Ranchers need to replace infrastructure lost to this summer’s wildfires and salmon farmers want to add $300 million to existing facilities. “It wouldn’t be a surprise to me if some of those decisions are being delayed,” Dunn says.
Breweries allowed
by PETER MITHAM VICTORIA – BC’s NDP
government has made good on a pledge to change the rules governing breweries, meaderies and distilleries within the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Rules announced Explore the most innovative equipment and technology for the Agriculture Industry.
November 9 allow alcohol producers to operate within the ALR if they source at least 50% of the main farm product used in producing the beverage – such as grapes for wine, barley for beer or honey for mead – either from their own property or, if their property is at least five acres in size, a farm elsewhere in BC. Supply contracts must be for a period of at last three years. Producers who don’t meet
the requirements can apply to the Agricultural Land Commission for permission to operate despite the rules. The change will bring
Join thousands of BC farmers , agri-food producers and over 300 exhibitors covering 200,000 square feet of exhibit space.
For more information
Persephone Brewing in Gibsons and Crannóg Ales in Sorrento into compliance with ALR rules. It will also open the door to other producers locating on protected farmland, while strengthening opportunities for producers of BC grain, hops, honey and other farm products.
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