Freshwater Initiative

Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Discussion Document

Fresh water plays an important role in Canada's environment, society, and economy.

The National Conference of Fisheries Ministers discussed, in May 1998, the importance of a shared vision for the management of freshwater resources, and of continued co-operation and collaboration by federal, provincial and territorial partners. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans agreed to lead, in partnership with the provinces and territories, in the development of a freshwater fisheries strategy. The strategy would confirm federal and provincial and territorial roles, and lead to a renewed understanding of the national vision, role, issues, goals, objectives and approaches to freshwater fisheries.

As a first step, the Minister committed to develop a statement of Fisheries and Oceans freshwater roles and responsibilities. The resulting discussion paper, Freshwater Initiative, outlines major freshwater issues, describes the department's freshwater roles and responsibilities, and points to future direction on key issues in keeping with Fisheries and Oceans' long-term goals, including the management and protection of fisheries resources and the freshwater environment and marine transportation and safety.

Downloadable File (PDF version*)

Published by:

Communications Directorate
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0E6

İMinister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 1999

Aussi disponible en français.

Cat. No. Fs 23-368/1999E
ISBN 0-662-27817-8

(Published June, 1999)

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