Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers’ Meeting

IQALUIT, Nunavut, August 17, 2000 --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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