NEWS RELEASES
NEW EFFORT TO SETTLE SALMON DISPUTE ANNOUNCED
February 5, 1997 No. 20
NEW EFFORT TO SETTLE SALMON DISPUTE ANNOUNCED
The governments of Canada and the United States have announced today that they are
renewing their commitment to resolving the dispute under the Pacific Salmon
Treaty. The two governments have agreed on a process of government-to-government
negotiations that includes direct participation by stakeholders from relevant
regions.
Two groups, representing northern and southern fishery interests, will be asked to
review key fisheries and make recommendations on fishing arrangements that are
consistent with the Treaty principles. Their first meeting is expected next week
in Portland, Oregon. The groups will report to the chief Canadian and American
negotiators, Yves Fortier and Mary-Beth West. Negotiators will make a preliminary
review of progress by mid-March.
The announcement follows high-level discussions between John Fraser, Canada's
Ambassador for the Environment, and Eileen Claussen, U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, on how to
settle the dispute.
Canada and the United States have not been able to agree on the implementation of
the principles of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, signed in 1985. There have been
repeated attempts to reach a solution, including mediation in 1996, but without
success. Last summer, the Governors of Alaska, Washington and Oregon pledged new
political will and called for a new process involving the stakeholders to resolve
the conflict. British Columbia Premier Glen Clark has also emphasized the
importance of finding a solution without delay.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of
Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Bonnie Mewdell
Office of the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans
(613) 992-3474
Yves Fortier
Canada's Chief Negotiator on Pacific Salmon
(514) 847-4747
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs
and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
C.C. (Bud) Graham
Department of Fisheries and
Oceans, Vancouver
(604) 666-6931
This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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