Fisheries Policy Adrift

Fisheries Policy Adrift: Government’s Arctic Surf Clam Controversy
Shows Need for Shift in License and Quota Strategy


Ottawa (May 11th, 2018)-Today, the Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) called attention to recent actions that have been taken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada which have undermined Canada’s fisheries sector, impacting economic growth opportunities in Canada’s coastal communities.

“The recent decision by the federal government to award a significant amount of the Arctic Surf Clam quota to a partnership including Indigenous communities has resulted in instability for Canada’s fisheries sector,” said Paul Lansbergen, President of the FCC. “Taking away long-standing licenses and quotas does not respect past investments and has eroded the sector’s confidence to invest and could undermine conservation efforts.”

The Canadian seafood industry creates 80,000 direct jobs, mainly in coastal and rural communities, and accounts for $7 billion in exports to 139 countries. The sector is an important employer in many underserved communities and is a significant contributor  to the economy.

“What has happened in our industry could absolutely happen in other natural resource sectors, who could suffer the same take-aways of access,” concluded Lansbergen. “Our members continue to be fully supportive of reconciliation efforts across Canada.  However, efforts must be done in a way that respects the interests and investments by industry participants, and for this reason it will be critical that there be a process in place with the government in order to collaboratively find solutions for all involved.”

Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) is the voice of Canada’s fish and seafood industry, promoting a healthy resource and working to develop an economically sound, market-driven, competitively-structured industry that offers harvesters, employees, and processors secure and stable opportunities and a sustainable future. The Council represents about 100 member companies in Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Quebec, the Prairies, Nunavut, and Ontario. These member companies process the majority of Canada’s fish and seafood production. Member companies also harvest a significant portion of the fisheries resources of Canada.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Cynthia Waldmeier, Media Relations
Tel: 613 233-8906, cell: 613-894-2128
Email: cynthia@impactcanada.com

 

May 11, 2018 – Fisheries Policy Adrift

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