The ground-breaking research of Department Fisheries and Oceans genetics expert Dr. Kristi Miller has an uncertain future. She stated during testimony at the Cohen inquiry that she has no confirmed funding to continue her work on sockeye, right when she is on the verge of taking the research to the next level.

Last week it was revealed that the funding model used by Miller and other federal scientists, which uses outside funds to pay for staff salary, is “not compliant with DFO policy.” This led to questions about the status of her research, which were confirmed today as she said approvals for funding were pending a Treasury Board decision.

The majority of funding for Miller’s work comes from Genome BC and the Pacific Salmon Commission, which count as outside funding. A total of 11 staff in Miller’s lab is in jeopardy because of the policy about outside funding.

The applications and next steps for Miller’s research are unlimited. Time and time again both Miller and Garver stated that more research is needed — but the future of the research is up in the air.

Miller’s group is not the only group affected by this decision, but Miller stated she is stressed by the uncertainty.

DFO has yet to comment on the situation, but Miller’s testimony stated that they are working on a fix. What the fix will be, and when it will be implemented, is unknown.

Tria Donaldson

Tria Donaldson

Tria Donaldson is a youth activist with roots in the environmental movement, the labour movement, and Indigenous rights. Tria is a senior Communications Officer at CUPE National, and on the Member’s...