Skeena-Bulkley Valley incumbent Nathan Cullen is calling on federal officials to conduct comprehensive radiation testing on seaweed and other seafood on B.C.'s Northwest Coast in order to reassure residents of the safety of their food sources.

"Seafood is the backbone of our coastal economy and culture," said Cullen. "Coastal British Columbians have a lot of questions about the impact of the Japanese nuclear crisis and the government has a responsibility to provide them with accurate, timely information."

"I'm not looking to raise any alarms, but rather respond to concerns I've been hearing on the doorstep," Cullen added. "To ensure people remain confident in their seafood, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans should immediately fund a radiation monitoring program in cooperation with coastal communities."

Cullen met with senior officials from Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in March to raise questions about the Japanese nuclear accident's potential impacts on Canada. He was assured that monitoring of radiation in the air was ongoing and impacts were not expected to reach Canadian shores.

"Equipment has now picked up some trace radiation on our coast, and British Columbians are calling for a more thorough monitoring program that includes water and seafood," said Cullen.

Cullen is currently visiting Haida Gwaii communities as part of his re-election campaign. He spent Tuesday in Masset and today visits Tlell and Skidegate.