Biologist Alexandra Morton and filmmaker Twyla Roscovich are bringing their new film, Salmon Confidential to the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre on April 16 at 7 p.m.
According to a news release about the film sent to The NEWS by Faye Smith, Salmon Confidential is a new film on the government cover-up of what is killing B.C.'s wild salmon. When Morton discovers B.C.'s wild salmon are testing positive for dangerous European salmon viruses associated with salmon farming, a chain of events is set off by government to suppress the findings.
Tracking viruses, Morton moves from courtrooms, into B.C.'s most remote rivers, Vancouver grocery stores and sushi restaurants. The film documents Morton's journey as she attempts to overcome government and industry roadblocks thrown in her path and works to bring critical information to the public in time to save B.C.'s wild salmon. In an endorsement of the movie, David Suzuki commented, "For years, Alexandra Morton has soldiered on providing evidence of and calling for action on the catastrophic state of wild salmon. Government and industries have thwarted her over and over again. This film clearly documents that governments do not put protection of wild salmon at the top of their priorities and Canadians should be outraged. I am."
"It is critical that people hear what is happening to this essential fish and why. We don't have to be helpless bystanders as government tries to bury the evidence. The careers of all who research these European viruses in B.C. are under attack, but disease in salmon cannot be a federal secret any longer if we want wild salmon to be here for our children," said Morton.
According to the release, the film provides insight into the inner workings of government agencies, as well as rare footage of the bureaucrats tasked with managing our fish and the safety of our food supply. There will be a discussion period after the screening. Everyone is welcome. Admission is by donation.
— Submitted by Faye Smith