Don Wright, deputy minister to the Premier, has released his report on Deloitte's review of the Province’s Animal Health Centre (AHC).

The report found that the public servants and scientists at the centre are working well on behalf of British Columbians, and operating without any conflicts of interest.                                               

The report also identified nine recommendations, focusing on areas such as developing conflict of interest guidelines, conducting regular conflict of interest audits and improving information sharing with the public. The Ministry of Agriculture has started the process of implementing these recommendations.

While the review was clear that there are no conflicts of interest in the centre’s operations, there is still considerable debate among scientists about the impacts of salmon farming on wild stocks in areas like the Broughton Archipelago.

Scientists will continue to discuss and debate the different interpretations they may have, which is the basis of the advancement of science.

Wright's report is available at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Review_of_Animal_Health_Centre_Memo_March_15_2018.pdf

Deloitte's review is available at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Deloitte_Review_of_the_BC_Animal_Health_Centre_Final_Report_Feb_15_2018.pdf