News Release

NEW FISHERY OFFICER RECRUITS DEPLOYED TO NEW BRUNSWICK

MONCTON - The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that three new fishery officer recruits have taken up duties with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in communities in Northeastern New Brunswick.

"I'm extremely proud of these new fishery officer recruits who will be dedicating themselves to conserving and protecting fish stocks that belong to New Brunswickers, and all Canadians," said Minister Hearn.

The fishery officer recruits graduated from their basic training program on August 3, 2006 at the RCMP training facility in Regina, Saskatchewan, after receiving eight weeks of intensive law enforcement training. This was the culmination of four months of basic training as part of DFO's Fishery Officer Career Progression Program.

The officers' field training will continue in New Brunswick for the next 30 months, during which time they will be exposed to all aspects of the fishery and conservation and protection practices.

The new recruits will fill some of the vacancies that have arisen in recent years due to retirements and other job movement. It is expected that other vacancies in New Brunswick will be filled in 2007 through further hiring from the recently-created pool of fishery officer candidates.

The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and the Regional Minister for New Brunswick, said the latest DFO staff postings reflect the new federal government's commitment to conserving and protecting fish stocks and fish habitat throughout New Brunswick.

"We know the importance of having well-trained professionals working in the province to ensure DFO programs are delivered effectively," said the Minister.

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For information:

Internet: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html