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Foreword

This policy on fish habitat management is an explicit recognition by the federal government that fish habitats are national assets.

It is, I believe, an ambitious but realistic policy, designed to achieve a Net Gain of habitat for Canada's fisheries resources in a manner that will be of benefit to all users. It does this by providing a comprehensive framework for the conservation, restoration and development of fish habitats and strategies for the implementation of its various components.

The policy is also a blueprint for a common-sense, cooperative approach between the private sector and various levels of government. It reflects, in particular, the willingness of this Minister and this department to work cooperatively with all parties. The policy itself was developed through a process of federal, provincial, territorial and private sector consultation and cooperative effort.

It is, in short, a policy based on a confidence in the ability of Canadians to work together to arrive at solutions to problems and to harness creative energies in order to increase the social and economic benefits derived by Canadians from productive fish habitats and the fisheries resources they support.

I look forward to the continued cooperation of all interested parties in the implementation of this policy.

Tom Siddon, M.P., P.C.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

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