Mainstream Canada announced: "In response to a prolonged and deliberate attack on our company and our employees, Mainstream Canada has been forced to defend our reputation against unfounded and irresponsible accusations by an anti-salmon farming activist."

During the trial, which began January 16, 2012, Mainstream Canada  will defend the reputation of the company, which is proud to be the first salmon farm in the world to be certified to the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association's Aboriginal Principles for Sustainable Aquaculture standard and the Global Aquaculture Alliance's Best Aquaculture Practices new standards for farmed salmon.

"Mainstream Canada operates under some of the strictest regulations in the world that govern the aquaculture industry. There are currently 73 pieces of federal and provincial legislation that regulate every aspect of our business, from environmental protection to fish health to food inspection for human consumption. Canada is also a signatory or member to several different international agreements or organizations which affect aquaculture".

"Mainstream Canada's focus is on sustainable aquaculture. Our employees are proud of our reputation for producing quality salmon, and our respect for the local environment and the communities in which we operate".

"While healthy debate on issues is a vital part of healthy communities, false and injurious statements are detrimental to these values and harmful to the interests of a free and democratic society. Mainstream's legal arguments will show that the damaging allegations published by the activist are malicious and unsupported by facts or fairness".

Meanwhile, Reddvillaksen (the Norweigan branch of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund)  has come to the  support of Don Staniford to the tune of 60,000 NOK. (Approximately US$10,000).