Sustainable fisheries, marine safety, and protection of the marine environment are of critical importance to Arctic communities. In 2018, Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced the creation of stand-alone Arctic Regions to advance reconciliation, partnerships and collaboration with Inuit, First Nation and Métis Nation organizations and governments, provinces and territories and other partners.
Canada and our partners around the world are facing unprecedented challenges from an economic crisis, climate change and a recovery from COVID-19. Canada and our international counterparts recognize the potential that healthy oceans will have as a powerful solution to these problems. That is why the United Nations declared a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) 2021 2030.
As we approach the 2021 fishing season on the East Coast, I am focused on solutions that protect all those who work in our fisheries, and provide everyone an opportunity to thrive.
Thirteen projects across the province funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) under the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF).
The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are announcing funding of more than $1 million to improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of Quebec’s fish and seafood sector. The Government of Canada’s contribution to these thirteen projects amounts to $855,806, and the Government of Quebec’s contribution is $376,773.
Québec (Quebec) - The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and MP for Gaspésie─Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, with Mr. André Lamontagne, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, will hold a virtual press conference to announce support to the Quebec fishing industry.
On December 21, 2020, Frederick Stanley Kent was found guilty in Salmon Arm Provincial Court for fishing while prohibited by a Court Order. The Honourable Justice Leven also found Mr. Kent guilty of unlawful possession of fish. He was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, forfeit his fishing equipment, and issued a further 5-year fishing prohibition.
Internationally, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a major contributor to the decline of fish stocks and marine habitat destruction. It also undermines the livelihoods of our legitimate fish harvesters.
Canada has the longest coastline in the world leaving us with vast ocean-based resources that can be utilized for economic potential, positioning Canada as a global leader. A Blue Economy Strategy will enable us to protect and revitalize the health of our oceans while taking advantage of emerging economic growth opportunities throughout ocean sectors.
The Government of Canada is committed to a responsible plan to transition from open-net pen aquaculture in British Columbia by 2025. Close collaboration with Indigenous communities, industry and other key stakeholders will ensure the transition is workable, economically feasible and takes into account social impacts.
