The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Building on this commitment, Etienne Rich, Grand Chief of the Innu Nation of Labrador, and the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, as well as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, announced today that the Government of Canada and the Innu Nation of Labrador have signed two Incremental Treaty Agreements.
Wild Atlantic salmon is an iconic species that has special significance for Indigenous communities and the people of Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Currently found in over 1000 Canadian rivers, the species is increasingly impacted by several factors — including climate change — which are affecting its productivity and survival.
Narwhals, bowhead whales and beluga are iconic species of the Canadian Arctic. They play an important role in the ecosystem of the Arctic Ocean, and contribute to the livelihood and culture of Indigenous and coastal communities. Studying how these whale populations are affected by changes to our environment will help us understand the steps we need to take to make sure the species are swimming in our waters for future generations of Canadians.
Entanglements in fishing gear can pose serious harm to whales and other marine mammals. They can impact the animal’s ability to swim, eat, and reproduce, and they can be fatal. That is why the Government of Canada is working to prevent these entanglement risks from occurring, including by requiring all non-tended, fixed-gear fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec to use whalesafe gear by the beginning of the 2023 fishing seasons.
Canada’s three oceans are fundamental to our identity and culture. They provide recreational and commercial opportunities to Indigenous and coastal communities, and connect us globally. Working with research organizations to collect and share information and data on ocean conditions is key to protecting our oceans for the benefit of future generations.
Canada’s natural biodiversity plays an important role in our way of life. The health of the environment and wildlife supports our culture, our wellbeing and our economy. The Government of Canada is committed to taking further action to build on work already underway to protect and conserve at-risk species in our oceans, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and marshes to ensure their survival for future generations.
Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe access to waterways. With approximately 45,000 Canadians employed in the fishing sector, the Government of Canada is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbours.
Today, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Government of Canada is investing a total of $50 million in the next two years to help renew 26 small craft harbours in communities along the Pacific coast. This includes $17 million in the Steveston Small Craft Harbour, $11 million in small craft harbours in the Prince Rupert area, and $22 million at other smaller harbours along the Pacific coast.
The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Kevin Hall, President of the University of Victoria and Kate Moran, President of Ocean Networks Canada will make an announcement on support for Ocean Networks Canada.
The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, will announce details of projects funded by the Government of Canada for British Columbia’s Small Craft Harbours and specific projects for Steveston Harbour.
