Media Alert - Cohen Commission releases discussion paper outlining issues,
lays out some plans for hearings

VANCOUVER, June 9 /CNW/ - The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River today released a discussion paper which outlines issues that the commission intends to investigate when evidentiary hearings begin September 7, 2010. This discussion paper is available on the commission's website at www.cohencommission.ca.

The commission has scheduled opening hearings on June 15-17 at the Federal Court, 801-701 West Georgia Street in Vancouver. These hearings, which will be open to the public, will provide official participants with an opportunity to make submissions on the issues the commission should investigate and their relative priority.

In the discussion paper, the Cohen Commission set out tentative dates for the evidentiary hearings in September. Evidentiary hearings are planned to continue through the fall of 2010, excluding October 1 to 19. Schedules for subsequent months will be made available later.

Media should direct any requests regarding recording or broadcasting of the hearings to Carla Shore at 604-658-3646 or [email protected].

    
    About the Cohen Commission
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The Cohen Commission (www.cohencommission.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 its findings, the commission 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.

For further information: Media Contact: Carla S. Shore, Communications Director, Cohen Commission of Inquiry, Phone: [phone], Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]