Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers
NEWS RELEASE – MINISTERS STRENGTHEN CO-OPERATION ON FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE ISSUES
Lac Delage, Quebec, September 17, 2003 – At Lac Delage, Quebec, members of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) were pleased with the results of their meeting, which brought together the ministers of fisheries from the provinces and territories of Canada and the federal government. The meeting, co-chaired by the Honourable Françoise Gauthier, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for Quebec and the Honourable Robert G. Thibault, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, provided an opportunity to further develop strategies for strengthening the competitiveness of businesses in both domestic and international markets.
“I was extremely pleased to realize that, despite the great diversities that exist between our respective territories and provinces, we have succeeded in uniting our approaches and meeting expectations in a way that will benefit the communities we represent,” declared Minister Gauthier.
“I am very pleased with the high level of co-operation ministers continue to show through the CCFAM process. We are, by working together, achieving real results for Canadians,” said Minister Thibault. “At today’s meeting we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen this partnership.”
Ministers were presented with the findings from a review of the Agreement on Interjurisdictional Co-operation, which established the CCFAM. The results demonstrate that there has been an overall improvement in intergovernmental relations since the Agreement was signed in 1999, and that the CCFAM provides a structured approach to co-operative work on issues of shared national concern, with a high level of accountability for results. Areas of concern identified are the timely release of fisheries management plans and the need for improved and appropriate consultations with provinces, territories and stakeholders. The review identified areas for improvement and Ministers approved a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the CCFAM process.
Ministers received reports from working groups on accomplishments to date and directed these groups to undertake specific activities to address issues of concern to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, as well as Canadians from coast-to-coast. The topics addressed included aquatic invasive species, oceans management, freshwater and recreational fisheries, and aquaculture.
Ministers also heard from a number of experts in various fields. Michael Reader, executive director of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, highlighted the collaboration between governments, non-government organizations and private industry to promote recreational fishing partnerships. Angus Reid, director of the Centre for Public Opinion and Democracy at the University of British Columbia, spoke about the public opinion climate surrounding the aquaculture industry.
Following discussion, Ministers reaffirmed their support for aquaculture as an innovative and environmentally responsible way of producing fish and other aquatic foods, and endorsed the industry’s efforts to develop a code of conduct. Ministers also agreed on the importance of presenting Canadians with factual information on the positive benefits of the aquaculture industry, as well as the need for targeted and coordinated research to support decision making.
Ministers were briefed by a senior official from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. New regulations have been proposed by the United States under the Bioterrorism Act because of concerns over food safety in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Ministers conveyed their positions on the proposed regulations and the affect they may have on the movement of food products, including live seafood, between Canada and the U.S.. Ministers stressed the importance of marine and freshwater fisheries trade with the U.S. and the continued smooth flow of these perishable products across our borders.
“I have already met several times with U.S. representatives and will continue to talk with them concerning the special challenges being faced by Canadian seafood exporters as a result of U.S. measures to increase border security,” said Minister Thibault. “It is vital that fish and seafood products continue to flow safely and smoothly between our two countries.”
A presentation at today's meeting on the implementation of the Species At Risk Act (SARA) provided Ministers with an opportunity to better understand and prepare accordingly for the potential implications of the Act on fisheries. Ministers strongly supported the intent of the Act, but did raise concerns about potential significant impacts the Act may have on commercial fishing, aquaculture, and the economy in general. Subsequently, they agreed that close co-operation and consultation among governments, the fishing industry and other stakeholders will be needed to ensure that SARA is implemented in a manner that allows the continued, sustainable harvest of marine and freshwater species.
The CCFAM will gather for its next annual meeting in the Yukon in September, 2004.
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