NR-HQ-00-18E

Dhaliwal congratulates recipients of the National Awards for Responsible Fishing

April 28, 2000

OTTAWA -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today congratulated Mr. George Feltham on being awarded the Roméo LeBlanc Medal for Responsible Fishing in recognition of Mr. Feltham’s exceptional contribution to Canada’s commercial fisheries. The medal is the highest distinction given to one of four Canadian fishermen receiving the first National Awards for Responsible Fishing.

The Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada from 1995 to 1999, presented the medal and awards at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

"I want to sincerely congratulate the recipients of the awards and of the Roméo LeBlanc medal for their commitment to the conservation of the fisheries resource," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "The initiatives and contributions of these individuals, as well as other industry members, have led to the development of responsible fishing operations aimed at achieving sustainable and conservation-based commercial fisheries. Strong industry partnerships and involvement are necessary to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks for present and future generations."

The four laureates are Inuk fisherman, Davidee Evic from Pangnirtung, Nunavut; west coast gillnet fisherman, Les Rombough from Quadra Island, British Columbia; Atlantic fisherman, George Feltham from Eastport, Newfoundland; and freshwater gillnet fisherman and conservationist, Robert T. Kristjanson from Gimli, Manitoba.

The Roméo LeBlanc Medal and Awards for Responsible Fishing, created in 1999 by the Canadian Responsible Fisheries Board, are presented annually in recognition of the contribution by Canadian commercial fishermen to conservation initiatives to rebuild, maintain and strengthen the fisheries resources.

"I thank the Canadian Responsible Fisheries Board for inviting me to take part in the National Awards for Responsible Fishing," said Mr. LeBlanc. "We owe our highest respect to those special fishermen who not only make their own living from the sea, but who work to protect the livelihood of others and the safety of the resource itself."

On behalf of the Canadian Responsible Fisheries Board, Chairman, Rick Misner thanked the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc for his patronage of the medal and awards.

"This year’s laureates are fishermen from small communities across Canada," said Mr. Misner. "They represent the fishermen of today who recognize that cooperation, partnership and new ways of harvesting fish stocks are key to ensuring healthy fisheries for future generations of fishermen. They have given their time to spread the word and work within their organizations, various regulatory bodies and research institutions to help achieve this goal.

"At the local, national and international level, these men have been tremendous spokespeople for the industry. They have been influential in the partnerships that industry has formed with the support and participation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The support of the Canadian government in responsible fishing initiatives and for the Code of Conduct is extremely important and puts Canada on the leading edge of changes facing global fisheries."

Canada is the first country in the world to put forward a national Code developed for fishermen, by fishermen. This grassroots approach represents a new partnership with government and a new approach to improved harvesting and management practices within Canada’s fisheries.

The nominees for the awards must be active, practising Canadian commercial fishermen. They must be nominated by their peers, associations or others related to the commercial fishing industry. The Canadian Responsible Fisheries Board Awards Committee assesses the nominations according to established criteria and selects the four laureates.