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Victoria – The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today made public the Commissioner for Aquaculture Development’s recommendations. These recommendations were developed for the Minister after consultations, held across the country in 2002, which contributed to a proposed federal vision for aquaculture in Canada. Minister Regan is in British Columbia on official business concerning a variety of issues.
"I would like to thank the Commissioner for Aquaculture Development for his hard work," said Minister Regan. "In examining the federal role in aquaculture and developing his recommendations, the federal government can better structure itself to provide a supportive climate for responsible aquaculture development. Aquaculture presents huge potential for our coastal and rural communities and it is up to us to work with the provinces and territories to allow Canadians to benefit now and in the future from responsible aquaculture development."
DFO will continue to carefully examine these recommendations as it looks at how the federal government’s role in aquaculture could be better administered. The department is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its policies and programs to make operations more efficient and effective.
Minister Regan is expected to formally respond to the recommendations in the coming weeks. Interested Canadians are invited to provide their views on the recommendations to the Minister at the address below by March 12, 2004.
DFO will continue to undertake environmental and biological scientific research to build the knowledge required to improve its decision making and contribute to a world-class innovative industry. The department’s responsibilities for fish habitat protection and navigational safety remain a priority.
The report is available for downloading at the Commissioner’s website:
http://ocad-bcda.gc.ca
Canadians wishing to comment on the recommendations are invited to send their views, by March 12, 2004, to the following addresses:
The Honourable Geoff Regan
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
15th floor, 200 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E6
Min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Sophie Galarneau
Manager, Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 998-1530
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Brian Underhill
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474 |
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