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Released: 03 May, 2001

Dhaliwal Congratulates Four Canadians Honoured Through National Awards For Responsible Fishing

May 3, 2001

OTTAWA -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today congratulated the recipients of the National Responsible Fisheries Awards and the Roméo LeBlanc Medal. The Medal is the highest distinction given to one of four Canadian fishermen receiving the National Awards for Responsible Fishing.

The Awards are presented in recognition of exceptional contributions by commercial fishermen, based on the Canadian Code of Conduct on Responsible Fisheries Operations. Canada is the first country to adopt such a code, which represents a new co-operative approach to improved harvesting and fisheries management practices.

This yearÂ's four recipients are Stan Logan, from Nanaimo, British Columbia; George Purvis, from Gore Bay, Ontario; Stevie Audlakiak, from Qikiktarjuaq, Nunavut; and Pierrot Haché, from Caraquet, New Brunswick, who is also the recipient of the Roméo LeBlanc Medal.

"I would like to congratulate the recipients of these Awards for their exceptional contributions to responsible fishing practices," Mr. Dhaliwal. "Their commitment to the development of a grassroots approach to improved harvesting and management practices is key to ensuring a strong, responsible fisheries sector in the years to come. In this year of volunteers, it is also important to recognize the contribution of all fishermen who give their time freely to support the departmentÂ's conservation goals."

The Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada from 1995 to 1999, presented the medal and awards at a ceremony held in the Senate Rotunda, Parliament Buildings.

"I am pleased to be taking part in this second presentation of the National Awards for Responsible Fishing and would like to congratulate you on receiving these awards," said Mr. LeBlanc. "Your contribution to the protection and conservation of the fisheries resource will benefit our communities and result in a better future for fishermen who depend on the resource."

On behalf of the Canadian Responsible Fisheries Board, Chairman, Rick Misner thanked the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc for his patronage of the medal and awards.

"The fishery is perhaps CanadaÂ's oldest industry. As fishermen, we are proud of the role we take in ensuring that our oceans, lakes and rivers can continue to provide healthy and valuable food for mankind," said Mr. Misner. "These award winners exemplify our industryÂ's commitment to responsible and sustainable use of our marine and freshwater resources."

The Roméo LeBlanc Medal and Awards for Responsible Fishing, created in 1999 by the Canadian Responsible Fisheries Board, are presented annually in recognition of the contribution by Canadian commercial fishermen to conservation initiatives to rebuild, maintain and strengthen the fisheries resources, as outlined in the Canadian Code of Conduct on Responsible Fisheries operations.

The Canadian Responsible Fisheries Board Awards Committee, made up of representatives from the commercial fishing industry, assesses the nominations according to established criteria and selects four laureates. Recipients, and nominees, must be practicing Canadian commercial fishermen and are nominated by their peers and/or commercial fishing associations.

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The backgrounders related to this announcement are available on the automated Fax-On-Demand service of Fisheries and Oceans. They are immediately retrievable -- to users with a touchtone phone and a fax machine -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To retrieve, dial 1-416-362-1447 and follow the voice prompts.

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