Yesterday, all three federal opposition parties made it clear that they would not support the Conservative budget. This decision appears to set the stage for another federal election campaign.

This election will be a special one for those of us passionate about wild salmon. It is the first federal election since jurisdiction over salmon farms was transferred to Ottawa.

In this moment, we have an incredible opportunity to make sure that politicians aspiring to represent us in Ottawa are committed to protecting wild salmon. We need to get solid commitments to policies that include: getting rid of salmon farms, banning oil tankers on the Pacific coast, strengthening species-at-risk legislation and taking real action on climate change.

During the six-week campaign, BC will be a major battle ground, with each party seeking to make significant inroads in the polls. It is imperative that, all along the campaign trail, politicians hear that we want serious action to protect wild salmon. Candidates from all parties need to know that voters in their riding will be thinking about wild salmon when they head into the polls.

I am writing you today to ask you to join the Wild Salmon Action Network's efforts. With your help, we will show up at all candidates forums, leadership tour stops and campaign headquarters to ask hard questions and make the issue of wild salmon protection heard. We will organize fun stunts and raise awareness about the threats facing wild salmon.

We need you for this campaign to be a success. We need you to work with people in your community so that in riding after riding politicians are hearing the same thing: it's time to put wild salmon first.

Join the Wild Salmon Action Network to find out how you can get involved in the campaign.

Our efforts during the next six weeks can go along way to getting the issue taken up in Ottawa. We may not have the money of the BC Salmon Farmers Association but we definitely have the support of the people of BC!

Tria Donaldson | Pacific Coast Campaigner
Wilderness Committee