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Vancouver - The
in the Fraser River announced today that it will accept
applications for standing until 4 p.m. on March 3, 2010.
Standing is necessary to participate in the commission’s
hearings, and represents one of the various opportunities that
will be available for involvement in the commission’s work.
Persons (individuals, groups, governments, agencies,
institutions or other entities) who wish to apply for standing
at the commission’s hearings are invited to submit a written
application demonstrating that they have a substantial and
direct interest in the subject matter of the inquiry.
Participants who are granted standing are eligible to apply for
funding for legal counsel. Detailed guidelines for
applying for standing and funding are available on the
commission’s website at
www.cohencommission.ca. The commission encourages
applications by email.
The Commissioner will determine standing and may recommend
funding on the basis of written applications, unless he
determines that oral hearings are necessary. If so, oral
hearings will be held on March 10 and, if necessary, March 11,
2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Cohen Commission was established on November 5, 2009 with
the appointment of the Honourable Bruce Cohen, Justice of the
Supreme Court of British Columbia, 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 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.
The Cohen Commission is committed to facilitating public
discussion and input on the issues identified in its Terms of
Reference. The commission’s hearings will be open to the
public, and applications for standing are not required for
people interested in attending as observers.
For more information about applying for standing and funding or
otherwise participating in the commission’s work, visit the
commission’s website at
www.cohencommission.ca
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