The Fisheries Act gives the government authority to manage Canadian fisheries and to protect the habitat that supports them. The government has committed to reviewing the recent changes to the Act to restore any lost protections and to incorporate modern safeguards.

This review will engage parliamentarians and consult broadly with Canadians, Indigenous groups, provinces and territories, and a range of stakeholders including industry and environmental groups.

The Review Process

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, along with the Minister of Transport, are asking Parliament’s Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to examine recent changes to the Fisheries Actand the Navigation Protection Act and to hear from Canadians.

As an independent and public forum, a parliamentary committee can hear from witnesses including experts. All Canadians are welcome to submit briefs or ask to appear as witnesses. You can also attend the hearings in person.

When the committee has finished its work, it will report to Parliament with recommendations on how to address concerns about the protection of fish and fish habitat.

Consultations

Indigenous Consultations

As part of the government’s commitment to renewing our relationship with Indigenous peoples based on trust, respect, and cooperation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will work directly with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their concerns are heard and taken into account.

Participant funding will be available to make sure they are able to participate and express their views.

Public and stakeholder consultations

Listening to the experience and views of Canadians is at the core of this review. In addition to the work of the parliamentary committee, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will seek and consider input from the public through an online questionnaire.

In the coming weeks, Canadians will be invited to visit this website to find out more about ways they can contribute their thoughts and suggestions. You will also find useful background information to help you better participate in the conversation, and opportunities to discuss your views with other concerned Canadians.

Regularly updated information about the work of the parliamentary committees and other consultation activities can also be found here.

Next Steps

While the review is underway, the government will continue to ensure that fish and fish habitat are protected to support sustainable fisheries. We will also implement new processes to monitor the development of projects and we will report back to the public on how fish and fish habitat are being protected. We intend to publish our first report early next fall.

When all of the reviews are completed, we will bring forward new environmental assessment processes, restore lost protections, and introduce modern safeguards.

Media Contacts:

Media Inquiries
Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Patricia Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 
613 992 3474

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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