FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 April 2010

Cohen Commission grants standing to 20 groups and individuals

Vancouver – The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River announced today that standing has been granted to 20 persons or groups to participate in the commission’s formal public hearings. Those with standing can propose witnesses, make oral submissions at the Commission’s hearings and may cross-examine witnesses. A complete list of participants and joint participants, as well as the Commissioner’s full ruling on standing applications are available at www.cohencommission.ca.

“While the Commission received 50 applications for standing -- a number we believe is higher than any other federal commission of inquiry – Commissioner Cohen determined that several applicants with similar concerns should share in single grants of standing, bringing us down to 20,” said Brian Wallace, Senior Commission Counsel. “Those who did not receive standing can still be involved in the Commission’s process by attending public hearings and making written submissions, which will be posted on our website.”

The Cohen Commission 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 its findings, the commission will make recommendations for improving the 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 is now accepting public submissions on relevant issues through its website. For more information or to make a submissions, visit www.cohencommission.ca.

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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

Backgrounder available: List of participants granted standing

BACKGROUNDER
15 April 2010

Participants Granted Standing

1

Government of Canada

2

Province of British Columbia

3

Pacific Salmon Commission

4

BC Public Service Alliance of Canada
Union of Environment Workers BC

5

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.

6

BC Salmon Farmers Association

7

Seafood Producers Association of BC

8

Aquaculture Coalition:

Alexandra Morton

Raincoast Research Society

Pacific Coast Wild Salmon Society

9

Conservation Coalition:

Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform

Fraser Riverkeeper Society

Georgia Strait Alliance

Raincoast Conservation Foundation

Watershed Watch Salmon Society

Mr. Otto Langer

David Suzuki Foundation

10

Area D Salmon Gillnet Association

Area B Harvest Committee (Seine)

11

Southern Area E Gillnetters Association

BC Fisheries Survival Coalition

12

West Coast Trollers Area G Association

United Fishermen and Allied Workers’ Union

13

BC Wildlife Federation

BC Federation of Drift Fishers

14

Maa-nulth Treaty Society

Tsawwassen First Nation

Musqueam First Nation

15

Western Central Coast Salish First Nations:

Cowichan Tribes

Chemainus First Nation

Hwlitsum First Nation

Penelakut Tribe

Te’mexw Treaty Association

16

First Nations Coalition:

First Nations Fisheries Council

Aboriginal Caucus of the Fraser River Aboriginal Fisheries Secretariat

Fraser Valley Aboriginal Fisheries Society

Chehalis Indian Band

Secwepemc Fisheries Commission of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council

Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance

Adams Lake Indian Band

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

Council of Haida Nation

Other Douglas Treaty First Nations who applied together (the Snuneymuxw, Tsartlip and Tsawout)

17

Métis Nation British Columbia

18

Sto:lo Tribal Council

Cheam Indian Band

19

Laich-kwil-tach Treaty Society

James Walkus and Chief Harold Sewid

Aboriginal Aquaculture Association

Heiltsuk Tribal Council

20

Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council

Media Contact:
Carla S. Shore
Communications Director
Cohen Commission of Inquiry
Phone: 604-658-3646
Cell: 604-329-0975
Email: carla.shore@cohencommission.ca