PSF in the News

Brian Ridell Resigns from Cohen Commission Panel

Wednesday, 07 July 2010 14:16

News Release

For Immediate Release

July 7, 2010

STATEMENT OF PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION PRESIDENT BRIAN RIDDELL

Announces Resignation from Cohen Commission

Vancouver – Dr. Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, made the following statement today regarding his resignation from the Commission of Inquiry Into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River.

"Effective immediately, I have resigned from the Science Advisory Panel of the Commission of Inquiry Into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River. I have dedicated my professional life to studying wild Pacific salmon and to sustaining this remarkable natural resource. It was because of that commitment that I agreed to the Commission's invitation to serve on the panel, but with my initial understanding that panel members could also be called as witnesses. However, that understanding has now changed. The Commission policy is now that panel members cannot also be called as witnesses."

"In recent weeks there has been extensive news coverage about the Commission's Science Panel and its membership. The Commission has an excellent panel to advise it and I trust that they will provide objective and trustworthy advice. I also want to thank those who have shown their personal support to me. I will continue to support the objectives of the Commission, as the future sustainability of Fraser sockeye salmon is a worthy objective for all Canadians."

"After 30 years of public service with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, I chose last year to join the Pacific Salmon Foundation to accept a new challenge in the private sector. The Pacific Salmon Foundation works through volunteer and community groups, and leverages funds from both the public and private sector, to support projects that improve salmon habitat and enhance salmon populations in British Columba. I look forward to continuing to make a difference for wild Pacific salmon with community groups and the 35,000 volunteers who receive support from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, as well as the 200 private sector partners and provincial and federal government agencies that support our work."

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