News Release

DHALIWAL ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES FOR THE GULF REGION OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

Moncton -- The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced today a series of administrative changes for the Gulf Region. These changes are being made in response to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans' recommendations on the Gulf Region presented to the Department on May 31^st, 2001.

Recognizing that the Gulf Fisheries Management Region is more than a fisheries management unit, the region will now be called the Gulf Region.

Mr. Dhaliwal stated that: "this region is a full-fledged region in its own right, and will now be on an equal footing with all DFO regions."

An Oceans sector for the Gulf Region, including a full mandate for Oceans Act integration, habitat and environmental science will be created.

A Real Property position for the Region, - a dedicated position that will be able to better deal with the diverse needs of the Region's clients will be created.

The Regional Director of Small Craft Harbours will now be jointly accountable to the Regional Directors General of both the Gulf and Maritimes Regions, bringing the decision-making process closer to home.

Recognizing that the Gulf Region needs a strong Coast Guard presence, last March, the Minister decided that the three Coast Guard patrol vessels in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which were intended to be pulled from service last year, will remain in service. Indeed, maintaining a strong Coast Guard presence in the Gulf Region will continue to be a priority.

As well, the Department will be dedicating significant financial resources to help the Gulf Region make all of these important changes.

"These improvements will give this region the stability and the permanency it needs as it meets the fisheries challenges of the future in the same way it's met them in the past - through courage, foresight, and an unshakeable dedication to providing our clients in this unique area with the best service possible," stated the Minister.

"To mark this special day, I want to re-commit this region to the same promise Roméo LeBlanc made 20 years ago to the men and women of the Gulf fishery," continued the Minister.

The Minister made these announcements while attending ceremonies at the Gulf Fisheries Centre to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Gulf Region.

In attendance were the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, N.B., Mr. Wayne Easter, Chair of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (SCOFO) and MP for Malpeque, P.E.I., Mr. Dominic LeBlanc, member of SCOFO and MP for Beauséjour-Petitcodiac, N.B., and Mr. Wayne Wouters, Deputy Minister for the Department Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Also attending were various guests from the Federal and Provincial governments, the fishing industry, native bands, academia and current and former DFO employees.

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For information:

Internet: : http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html