As CFN’s Special Policy Advisor, Paul Kariya brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in several public policy subjects, including carbon offsets, fish and fisheries management, renewable energy development, and leadership and reconciliation. He is also Acting General Manager of the Great Bear Carbon Credit Co LP, a company owned by CFN member Nations that sells carbon offsets for projects throughout the North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.
No stranger to the north Pacific Coast, Paul grew up in a commercial fishing family on Vancouver Island’s west coast. His career has been focused on issues that matter to coastal communities—from reconciliation and climate change to natural resources management and economic development.
Prior to joining CFN, Paul has worked in the public sector both federally and provincially and was Executive Director of Clean Energy BC, Pacific Salmon Foundation, and the BC Treaty Commission, as well as CEO of Fisheries Renewal BC. He was also a Professor at Trinity Western University, and holds a BA (Hon) from UBC and a MA and PhD from Clark University in Massachusetts. Paul continues to serve on several community boards and has represented Canada as a Commissioner on the Pacific Salmon Commission.