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OTTAWA – The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today introduced a bill in the House of Commons to amend the
Fisheries Act.
"The main purpose of the proposed amendments is to clarify the existing authority related to management of fishing by Aboriginal groups and the authority that requires compliance with fishing licence terms and conditions," said Minister Regan.
"The proposed amendments are designed to address very specific issues and to meet a commitment made to the House of Commons-Senate Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations."
While the proposed Bill addresses issues relating to the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations (ACFLR), the ACFLR remain valid and in force. The Bill also addresses issues relating to the Ontario Fishery Regulations. Passage of the amendments into law will not change existing practices on the ground. Conservation of the fisheries resource and orderly management of fisheries are, and will remain, priorities of the department.
The draft Bill supports the continued involvement of Aboriginal groups in the management of fisheries and the department will pursue negotiations and work cooperatively with Aboriginal groups in this regard.
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