Petition to Protect Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility and Wolastoqey Salmon Tabled in House of Commons

Press Release

WOLASTOQEY HOMELAND, June 1, 2026 – A petition calling for the protection of the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility (MBF) and Wolastoqey salmon was formally tabled in the House of Commons today on International Wild Salmon Day. Chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation were present to witness it being tabled by Tobique-Mactaquac MP, Richard Bragdon.

House of Commons e-petition e-7352 was initiated in response to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s announcement of the closure of the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility. The petition received 1,084 signatures from supporters following a public signature period from April 15 to May 15, 2026, with signatures collected from all 10 provinces and 3 territories.

“Closing the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility risks the extinction of salmon on the Wolastoq.” said Chief Justice Gruben of Billijk (Kingsclear First Nation). “This facility has played a critical role in protecting Wolastoqey salmon in this watershed for more than 50 years, and this decision by DFO represents a clear infringement on our rights. We demand the facility stays open until meaningful and augmented mitigation is in place to protect salmon in the Wolastoq watershed.”

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has announced that the facility will close by October 2026, raising concerns about the future of fish currently housed at the facility and the long-term impacts on salmon populations and biodiversity above the Mactaquac Dam.

The petition called on the Government of Canada to maintain operations until viable alternatives are established, ensure meaningful consultation with Wolastoqey communities regarding the future of the facility and the programs it supports, and protect salmon in the Wolastoq.

“Support from communities beyond our Nation highlights the importance of this issue,” stated Chief Gruben. “On International Salmon Day, it is important that this issue remains in the public eye. We will continue to call for transparency, accountability, and the protection of these critical conservation efforts for future generations.”

For media inquiries:
media@wolastoqey.ca

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