December 5, 2014 - Winnipeg, Manitoba
Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre Joyce Bateman today hosted a roundtable discussion in Winnipeg on new proposed regulations on aquatic invasive species that were announced in London, Ontario by the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
The proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations would provide a national regulatory framework to help prevent intentional and unintentional introductions of aquatic invasive species in Canada from other countries, across provincial and territorial borders, and between ecosystems within a region. It would also provide measures to facilitate response and control activities. For example, these regulations would give Canadian Border Services Agency officers the ability to enforce prohibitions against import at the Canadian border.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada developed the proposed regulations in consultation with federal, provincial and territorial governments, with a common goal aimed at addressing the threat of aquatic invasive species and protecting the economic well-being of Canadian waters.
The proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations will be published on December 6th, 2014 in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for a 30-day public comment period.
“Our Government is committed to protecting our recreational and commercial fishing industries by keeping our waterways safe from invasive species. Since 2006, we have invested in science, prevention, early warning, rapid response and management and control. We must remain vigilant in these efforts, and our proposed new regulations under the Fisheries Act will bolster our ability to fight the entry and establishment of aquatic invasive species and give those stewards of our fish and fish habitats more ammunition in that fight.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“Ensuring the health and productivity of Lake Winnipeg and freshwater systems throughout the Prairies is a priority for our Government, which is why we must remain vigilant in our fight against aquatic invasive species such as Zebra mussels. Today I am pleased to announce our public consultation on proposed new regulations under the Fisheries Act, which will bolster our efforts to fight the entry and establishment of invasive species in Canadian waters.”
Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre Joyce Bateman
Photo caption: Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre (right) leads a roundtable with Manitoba stakeholders to discuss new federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations designed to prohibit the importation and spread of species like zebra mussels.
- 30 -
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-CA-14-26E
Follow us on Twitter!
