December 5, 2014 - London, Ontario
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, joined by MPs Dave Van Kesteren, Pat Davidson, Bev Shipley and Joe Preston, today announced a significant step in safeguarding Canada’s waterways from the spread of aquatic invasive species. Similar events were also held today in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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
“The Great Lakes support commercial and recreational fishing and shaped communities. Our Government is committed to prevent and mitigate the damage caused by invasive species such as Sea Lamprey, Zebra Mussels and Asian carps into Canadian waters. Our proposed regulations include measures to ensure rapid response capabilities to effectively manage aquatic invasive species. The Canadian Border Services Agency, under these new regulations, will have the authority to stop aquatic vessels at the border to check for invasive species.”
Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Essex Dave Van Kesteren
Photo caption: The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, today announced new federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations designed to prohibit the importation and spread of species like Asian carps. Minister Shea was joined by MP Dave Van Kesteren (centre) and Matt Smith from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
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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-14-25E
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