Dear PFA Members,
The Public Fishery Alliance is an entirely volunteer-led organization, with no paid staff—just a dedicated group of passionate volunteers working to ensure the recreational fishing community has a strong, credible voice at the federal level.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has supported our recent GoFundMe campaign. As of today, we have raised $11,958, exceeding our initial $10,000 goal to send three Public Fishery Alliance representatives to Ottawa in February 2026. Your support has made this possible. We will be raising our serious concerns with the proposed changes by DFO to the Salmon Allocation Policy, Southern Resident Killer Whale closures and Fraser River Salmon Management Board 5-2 Chinook restrictions that will severely impact access to both Chinook and Coho salmon.
Importantly, all PFA representatives are volunteers with deep experience and knowledge across saltwater and freshwater fisheries, policy, and advocacy. Continued support from our members gives us the ability to expand this effort and potentially send four or more representatives, strengthening our presence and effectiveness in Ottawa.
We have already held a combination of in-person and virtual meetings with federal decision-makers. Most recently, PFA representatives have held three meetings with senior federal officials, including the Senior BC Advisor to the Fisheries Minister (Joshua Linder), the Director of Operations to the Minister (Morgan McCullough), and MP Patrick Weiler, Chair of the Fisheries Standing Committee, along with his staff. Along with meetings with Jeff Kibble – Conservative MP of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford riding and Honourable Stephanie McLean – Liberal MP of Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke riding. We have commitments for additional meetings in February and have support to testify before the Fisheries Standing Committee late spring 2026, from both Liberal and Conservative MP’s.
These opportunities require us to be in Ottawa, well-prepared, and organized. Our approach is deliberately non-partisan—we are meeting with both Liberal and Conservative representatives—because meaningful change requires engagement across all sides of the House.
With the recent change in government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, there is a narrow window of opportunity to influence policy direction. Waiting for a future election is not realistic when significant decisions affecting recreational fishing access, allocation, and management are being made right now.
Once again, thank you for your trust, engagement, and support. Every contribution—financial or otherwise—helps ensure the recreational fishing community is heard where it matters most.
Sincerely,
Public Fishery Alliance