Media Alert - Cohen Commission to hold opening hearings in June

VANCOUVER, May 13 /CNW/ - The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River plans to hold opening hearings in mid-June in Vancouver, when official participants will have an opportunity to make submissions about which issues will be dealt with by the commission when detailed evidentiary hearings into the causes for the decline begin in early September.

These opening hearings will follow the release in early June of a discussion paper setting out the commission's preliminary views on the issues to be investigated, including science and ecosystem issues and management of the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery.

Opening hearings are tentatively scheduled for June 15-17, and will continue into the week following if necessary, and will be held at the Federal Court at 701 West Georgia Street, 8th floor. The hearings will be open to the public.

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]