The video, produced by Maximum Effort, a company founded by Ryan Reynolds, also includes a cameo by ice hockey star Kirk McLean.
Star Trek legend and veteran Canadian actor William Shatner has waded into the debate over salmon farming with a profanity-laced video for the activist group Pacific Wild.
The video, released on the group’s YouTube page on Thursday, features 93-year-old Shatner reacting to the federal government’s decision to extend the licenses for salmon farms operating off the British Columbia coast for another five years.
“You know, for almost a century I have been a kind, decent Canadian,” Shatner states in the video. “But when I see what open-net farming is doing to the environment and wildlife, I just can’t be Canadian about it any longer.” The “Star Trek” actor then proceeds with a series of bleeped-out expletives.
The video, produced by Maximum Effort, a company founded by Ryan Reynolds, also includes a cameo by former Vancouver Canuck Kirk McLean.
The federal government had previously committed to phasing out open-net salmon farms by 2025, leaving some critics frustrated when Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier announced the license extensions on Wednesday.
Opponents argue that these farms can spread disease and lice to wild fish, though recent scientific findings indicate uncertainty over the risks.
Pacific Wild stated that Shatner’s video is part of a broader campaign encouraging the public to sign “the most un-Canadian letter ever written for elected officials,” calling for more immediate action.
“After years of broken government promises, Canadians have had enough. It’s time for leaders to hear Canadians’ voices as raw and real as they are, and to respond with meaningful action now,” said executive director Karen McAllister in a statement.
Officials assert that the extended licenses provide farmers a “responsible, realistic and achievable” grace period to transition to closed-containment or land-based facilities, although the industry has expressed concerns that the necessary technology may not be ready in time.
On Wednesday, the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association stated that five years was an “unrealistic” timeframe for such a significant transition.
“An irresponsible, unrealistic, unreasonable and unachievable objective for BC salmon farming”
“This focus on unproven technology jeopardizes the sector’s ability to fulfill agreements with rights-holder First Nations and will cause further harm to our communities,” BC Salmon Farmers CEO Brian Kingzett said in response to the announcement.
