From Frank Kwak, Fraser Valley Salmon Society:

The first session of testimony for the William’s enquiry on what happened to the 2004 Salmon Escapement was held on Wednesday Jan. 19th at 2:00pm. From my perspective, I thought the session went well and I strongly feel that this enquiry has a good chance of accomplishing what it set out to do.

My first statement to the committee was my objection to not meeting in Chilliwack which has now been reconsidered and indeed they will meet in Chilliwack on Monday February 21 from 10-12:30, 14:00-17:00 and 19:00 – 21:00. That should give everyone a time frame to go and let them know what they saw. More information about this meeting is on this page.

It is absolutely imperative that you get everyone you know to show ready to give testimony. You will be asked to testify under oath. If you refuse you can still speak, however your testimony will be worthless. You do not have to give exact dates but times and dates are important. It is especially important for people to testify who were on a bar at night during closed times or in illegal locations.

All you need to do is write a statement like “I John Doe was camped out on the Fraser River during July 27 and Aug 4. I stayed on Peg Leg bar for the duration. Each night after dark I observed drift nets floating past me. These nets were all illegal in my eyes as I was downstream of where Cheam had an opening and the fishing continued all night. During the daytime I saw drift nets several times. I do not remember the exact time but I saw at least one in the AM and two in the PM”. You then read the exact statement and wait for questions that might be asked. Then you step down and the next person does his testimony. Make sure that your information is correct and if you are not sure say approximately or about as you are under oath.

Fred, Tony, Mer and Dean, all guides, where also present and they testified in the evening. The room was packed out and numerous people had to stand. The room was not properly shaped so it was difficult to see and hear everything.

Mr. Williams and the committee asked several questions of me and I answered them as best as I could. I think I was on for about 45 minutes in total. I spoke of several incidents and told them that I had a record book (the Observe, Report, Record book put out by the FVSS and SDA) that was full of information. They have asked me to write a full report on times and dates of events as well as incidents which I will do in the next while and turn in at the Chilliwack enquiry meeting. They also asked for my speaking notes.

One other thing - They are especially interested in pictures and or videos of illegal events. Anyone who has those please come to the enquiry and turn them in as evidence.

Frank Kwak
Fraser Valley Salmon Society

If you were at the first session and would like to express your views and concerns, please send them to info@fishingwithrod.com.