Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Member of Parliament for Labrador, Yvonne Jones, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson will make an important announcement
Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, Mark Gerretsen on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will announce the Plastics Challenge grant recipient in Kingston.
There is no relationship more important to the Government of Canada than the one with Indigenous Peoples. Our government is committed to advancing a renewed relationship with Indigenous communities, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. We are working to modernize and strengthen the structures within the federal government to support Indigenous capacity building and support the vision of self-determination.
This afternoon, Bill C-68 received Royal Assent by the Governor General and has officially become law. This is a victory for the environment, independent fishers, and all Canadians because today, the important amendments to this Act, put forward by our government are being enshrined in law.
On behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s and Minister of Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, will announce action to protect the marine environment in Atlantic Canada.
Shark finning is a destructive practice that needs a strong and immediate response to stop the devastating impact on global shark populations. As apex predators, sharks play a critical role in keeping other fish populations and ocean ecosystems healthy. A decline in shark populations has a damaging effect to our oceans.
Canada’s oceans, lakes and rivers are important to the millions of people and Indigenous communities that depend on them for work, food, and recreation. However, changes that were made to the Fisheries Act in 2012 challenged our ability to protect fish and fish habitat. Canadians, including Indigenous peoples as well as industry and environmental groups, expressed concerns with these changes and how they were made. That is why, in 2016 the Government of Canada took action to strengthen and restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards to the Fisheries Act.
Media are advised that the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will make an announcement on the shark fin trade, and hold a media availability. Representatives from Humane Society International and Oceana Canada will be in attendance as well as the family of Sharkwater filmmaker Rob Stewart. Media are advised that the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will make an announcement on Bill C-68, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act, and hold a media availability.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region, wants to inform the North Shore population that the harvesting of shellfish is now forbidden due to risk of chemical pollution, in accordance with the prohibition order mentioned below, and pursuant to subsection 3 (1) of the Management of Contaminated Fisheries Regulations, in the following shellfish area:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard are proud to be a part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. RCM’s frequent visits to Canada’s entire landmass, marine and coastal waters will provide high-quality information to improve maritime surveillance and emergency response capabilities, and increase security of Canada’s marine resources.