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Released: 17 August, 2000
Canadian Council Of Fisheries And AquacultureMinisters Reaches Agreement In Key Policy Areas
Canadian
Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers' Meeting
August 17, 2000
IQALUIT, Nunavut - The
Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM), comprised of
federal, provincial and territorial ministers, held its Annual Meeting today.
The Council reviewed its progress since the 1999 CCFAM meeting and discussed its
strategic direction for the year to come. Ministers received reports from six
intergovernmental task groups that are making progress on strategic policies and
initiatives in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and reached agreement on
plans for moving forward in key areas such as emerging fisheries and
aquaculture.
The meeting was co-chaired by
Peter Kilabuk, Minister of Sustainable Development for Nunavut, and Herb
Dhaliwal, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and co-hosted by Nunavut and
Alberta.
"The Council has accomplished
a great deal over the past year, and the task groups that we established in 1999
have been very successful in making progress on identified priorities,"
said Minister Kilabuk. "I am pleased that I have been graciously provided
this opportunity to showcase Nunavut to my counterparts from across Canada today
and throughout this week."
"Through this Council, and in
the spirit of the Agreement on Interjurisdictional Cooperation, I noted the
progress made in strengthening federal-provincial-territorial relations and
working together towards shared goals," said Minister Dhaliwal.
"Cooperation is important to ensure the continued viability and
sustainability of Canadian fisheries and aquaculture. The value of our marine
fisheries landings in 1999 reached $1.74 billion up 10.1% from 1998, and trade
in fisheries products last year was valued at $3.7 billion, an increase of 15.6%
from 1998."
All Ministers recognized the
importance of further improving communications and cooperation among
jurisdictions.
Based on the recommendations of
the six intergovernmental task groups, Ministers reached consensus in the
following areas:
·
They agreed to a draft Canada-wide Policy on
Emerging Fisheries, developed by a task group championed by Newfoundland and
Labrador, which will facilitate the sustainable commercial use of new or
underutilized fish resources.
·
They reached an agreement in principle on a
process to finalize a Canada-wide Code on the Introductions and Transfers of
Aquatic Organisms, championed by Saskatchewan. This Code will establish
scientific criteria and a risk assessment process to ensure that movement of
fish for enhancement and aquaculture purposes are undertaken in an
environmentally sound manner. This process will include further consultations.
·
They supported a framework for development of a
Freshwater Fisheries Strategy, championed by Manitoba, which once completed will
help to ensure improved coordination between both levels of government in
freshwater fisheries management, fish habitat protection and science. As Quebec
has its own policies on freshwater fisheries, they have not participated in this
Task Group.
·
Under the leadership of Ontario, the Council
agreed to develop projects to promote recreational fisheries, including a web
site, a national fishing month, and further work on a youth fishing initiative.
·
Nova Scotia will continue to champion the work
of the aquaculture task group, which provided Ministers with recommendations on
service standards, siting approvals, code of conduct, fish health, and research
and development. Ministers reiterated the importance of the aquaculture industry
and viewed this as a priority for further opportunities for coastal communities.
·
The federal government led the initiative to
carry out a preliminary assessment of fleet capacity with a view to develop a
national plan of action on capacity management, to be delivered to the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2003.
Ministers also approved a
strategic workplan for the Council for 2000-2001. Intergovernmental work will
continue through the task groups and the Council will maintain its close
collaboration in anticipation of its 2001 Annual Meeting, which will be hosted
by Ontario.
Minister Dhaliwal also updated his
Ministerial counterparts on progress made on implementing the Supreme Court of
Canada Marshall decision. They in turn indicated their continued support for an
orderly and safe fishery in Atlantic Canada for all participants.
Minister Dhaliwal stressed that
his approach, which has been based on dialogue and cooperation, has led to the
successful negotiation of agreements with 29 of the 34 bands under the Marshall
decision. These agreements have been the result of extensive discussions with
First Nations groups and consultation with commercial fishermen, which have all
recognized the need for cooperative efforts to achieve objectives. They have
provided First Nations with considerable access to commercial fisheries,
millions of dollars in assistance, equipment and training.
"It is only through
cooperation and adherence to the rule of law that we can achieve an orderly
fishery that is beneficial to both aboriginal and coastal communities,"
added Minister Dhaliwal.
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Ref:
830-689/22
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