Georgetown Royalty, Prince Edward Island - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceansdelivered remarks today at the Eastern Fishermen’s Federation 36th Annual Meeting in Georgetown Royalty, Prince Edward Island. Her remarks focused on issues facing the fishing industry and the importance of leadership, innovation and collaboration.
During her remarks, the Minister reiterated the competitive advantage of free trade agreements for Canadian harvesters. Canada’s free trade agreements with the European Union and with Korea will eliminate cost prohibitive tariffs and open up new markets for fish and seafood.
The Minister also emphasized her commitment to supporting an independent and prosperous inshore fleet through upholding the policy for Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada’s Atlantic Fishery (PIIFCAF). This policy ensures that inshore harvesters remain independent and that the benefit of fishing licences flow to the harvesters and their communities.
Minister Shea also highlighted several measures taken by the Harper Government since 2006 to support commercial fishermen such as unprecedented investments in the Small Craft Harbours Program, the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program and the extension of the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to fishing businesses.
“Our Government’s unprecedented investments in small craft harbours, in successful programs such as the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program as well as the extension of the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to fishing businesses are clear evidence of our commitment toward Canadian fishermen. Our Government believes in the future of our fisheries and is committed to continue to do its part to be an active partner in providing leadership, innovation and collaboration.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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