BC Salmon Farmers Association

I am so grateful to be sharing this with my friends and family. During this year's 40th annual BCSFA AGM, I was awarded the first of its kind- The Young Professional of the Year Award presented by BC Salmon Farmers Association and Young Salmon Farmers of BC with support from the Salmon Aquaculture companies in BC. This award represents the recognition of the hard work and positive impact an individual makes to the BC salmon farming industry and I could not be more honored to have received this. If you know me, I am very passionate about my job because I believe in what I do. I believe in an industry that provides healthy, nutritious meals to Canadians and families in a time of food scarcity and economic turmoil. I advocate for an industry that holds itself to strenuous and rigorous environmental and sustainability standards to grow food in our largest and most natural resource, the ocean. I am proud to be a part of a work culture where First Nation partnerships and relations lead the path forward for our practices and operations in their traditional territories. Once again, we are facing long-term uncertainty with the recent announcement from Canada's DFO minister on a 5-year license renewal with 100% of net pens moving to closed containment thereafter. We are scientists, and we know the science and resources to meet that standard are currently not there. However, this award reminds me that it is not time to sit back or retreat, now more than ever it is time to continue standing up for our jobs in salmon aquaculture on the West Coast and supporting food sustainability. Thank you to my friends and family who have supported and cheered me on working in this industry. Thank you to my mentors and teachers in Mowi who have given me the tools and skills to grow in my career. Thank you to the BCSFA and Young Pros of BC Salmon Farmers for supporting my voice and advocacy. I am forever indebted to you all.