Prince George, B.C.- The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council is among those granted standing for the  Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River.

The CSTC will be part of a First Nations Coalition that will be participating in the inquiry.

 

The Commission has announced  standing has been granted to 20 persons or groups to participate in the formal public hearings. Those with standing can propose witnesses, make oral submissions at the Commission’s hearings and may cross-examine witnesses. Others granted standing include the Federal Government, the Province of B.C, Rio Tinto Alcan, the David Suzuki Foundation, BC Wildlife Federation,  Fishing and Allied Workers Union, Several First Nations Groups, Pacific Salmon Commission and Fish Farmer/Aquaculture groups. The complete list can be viewed 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.