Cummins questions Cohen's science panel

Nelson Bennett
June 9, 2010
Richmond News

The Richmond Conservative MP who is largely responsible for Prime Minister Stephen Harper striking an inquiry into the Fraser River sockeye fishery is now questioning Commissioner Bruce Cohen's judgment over the appointment of his science panel.

MP John Cummins (Delta-Richmond East) says Brian Riddell, a former Department of Fisheries and Oceans scientist, should be in the witness box, not on the panel of scientists appointed by Cohen to advise him.

"Here's a guy that, for 30 years, was an insider with DFO," Cummins told the News. "He was the go-to guy for fisheries managers. He's the guy that should be the first witness."

Cummins also questions the appointment of former DFO advisor Paul LeBlond to the panel.

Otto Langer, a Richmond biologist who quit DFO in frustration in 2001, does not question Riddell's scientific credentials, although he does question his judgment.

"To be quite honest, I respect him and I think he's a good scientist," said Langer, who has received official standing and will be making a submission to the commission as part of a coalition of environmental groups.

Langer questions Riddell's public comments on the inquiry itself. Riddell has stated he does not feel that the Fraser River fishery is something that requires a judicial inquiry, but rather should be considered strictly a science issue.

"Why would you criticize almost the existence of the panel -- saying it's strictly a science issue -- when you accepted an appointment to sit on and advise the panel?" Langer wondered. " I just think it was a big mistake and an error in judgment."

Read the full story in The Richmond News

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Agassiz Harrison Observer; June 8, 2010; "Advisors taint salmon inquiry, MP charges"