Government of Canada launches public consultation on changes to the Fisheries Act
News Release
Online public consultation marks the first step in following through with the commitment to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards
October 18, 2016
Ottawa, Ontario - Thriving fish populations and healthy fish habitat are vital to the well-being of Canadian society. The Government of Canada is inviting Canadians to join in a conversation about the protections needed to ensure our fish have a healthy environment to live, feed and reproduce, and healthy corridors to migrate between these places.
Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the launch of an online public consultation to seek Canadians’ views on recent changes to the Fisheries Act.
This online public consultation is part of the Government of Canada’s Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes, announced on June 20, 2016. The consultation will look at ways to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act in order to best safeguard our fish and fish habitat for future generations.
Canadians can share their views and have their voices heard by visiting letstalkfishhabitat.ca.
Quick Facts
- The Fisheries Act gives the government the powers to manage Canadian fisheries and to protect the habitat that supports them. It is an essential tool to conserving the sustainability of our fisheries.
- Gaining royal assent in 1868, the Fisheries Act is one of Canada’s oldest pieces of federal legislation. It was most recently amended in 2012. This current consultation is seeking Canadian’s views on whether any lost protections from the latest amendment should be restored.
Quotes
“Canada’s fisheries need the proper safeguards in the right places. I want to hear from all Canadians, including scientists, environmentalists and Indigenous peoples, as well as our industry partners and small business owners. Together, we can find the best path forward to protect sustainable aquatic ecosystems in Canada.”
- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Associated Links
Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes
- 30 -
Contacts
Sébastien Belliveau
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
sebastien.belliveau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
613-992-3474
Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO
NR-HQ-16-38E
Search for related information by keyword