FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 January 2011
Cohen Commission granted extension for final report
Vancouver – The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River has been granted an extension by the Governor General in Council to complete its work. The commission’s Terms of Reference are now revised to call for a final report to be submitted on or before June 30, 2012.
Due to the complexity of the topic at hand, a difficult and time-consuming document disclosure process, the large number of participants in the inquiry, and a comprehensive evidentiary hearings schedule, Commissioner Bruce Cohen requested the extension to ensure he could properly fulfill his mandate. Hearings at the inquiry will run at least to early autumn.
The commission today also posted its third status report, detailing recent activities. The status report is available on the commission’s website at www.cohencommision.ca.
About the Cohen Commission
The Cohen Commission (www.cohencommision.ca) was established on November 5, 2009 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 his findings, the Commissioner 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.
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Media Contact:
Carla S. Shore
Communications Director
Cohen Commission of Inquiry
Phone: 604-658-3646
Cell: 604-329-0975
Email: carla.shore@cohencommission.ca