January 20, 2015 - Vancouver, British Columbia
Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing $262,000 in Fish SAFE, a BC fishing industry driven program that works to improve safety on board commercial fishing vessels.
The program is funded through Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Pacific Integrated Commercial Fishing Initiative (PICFI), which helps to realize First Nations desire to become more involved in the commercial fishing industry. Since its inception, a total of 97 First Nations have benefitted from contribution funding and commercial access provided through PICFI.
This partnership between the Government of Canada and the commercial fishing industry has produced great results. Here in Vancouver, the BC Seafood Alliance has utilized mutual resources to administer the Fish SAFE Program. It has been recognized internationally as a leader in creating a safety culture through education. They have raised the profile of fishing safety on Canada’s west coast through a variety of educational programs, notably their Stability Education Program, and by working with partners to develop relevant regulations and policies to improve on board safety.
Specifically, this funding will support Fish SAFE in expanding its boating safety programs to remote communities where upstream terminal area fisheries are located. It will be used to support commercial fishing enterprises by giving them the tools and assistance they need to develop fishing safety programs in their communities. This includes a training needs assessment and delivery of fishing safety education and training programs.
Ensuring the safety of Canadians on our waters continues to be a priority to the Government of Canada.
“The $262,000 in funding for Fish SAFE reaffirms our Government’s ongoing support for preventing instances of injury and death in the fishing industry due to ignorance. We remain committed to supporting the fishing industry’s efforts to make their industry safer.”
Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South
“Our Government is proud to support the Fish SAFE program. Working with First Nations and B.C.’s fishing industry, we are creating a safer fishery in British Columbia. This funding will provide commercial fishers along the west coast with the tools they need to improve safety practices while on the water.”
Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East
“The support that Fish SAFE receives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada enables Fish SAFE to reach fishermen in remote communities to ensure that they have the relevant safety training and tools they need to come home safely.”
Gina McKay, Program Manager, Fish SAFE Program
Photo caption: MP Wai Young in conversation with Gina McKay, Manager, Fish SAFE Program after announcing 262K in funding from Fish SAFE.
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Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Michele Boriel
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
NR-PR-15-04E
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