Minister, Deputy Lead National Group

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell and the department's deputy minister, Peter Underwood, will head a working group of senior fisheries officials from across Canada looking at improving relations with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

The two men were chosen by federal, provincial and territorial colleagues at a national conference of fisheries ministers that wrapped up last week in Victoria.

"All the provinces and territories agreed we need more input," said Mr. Colwell. "This group will work at finding the best way to do that."

As minister, Mr. Colwell said he has spoken with many fishermen, and many say they want the province to play a critical role in representing their concerns with the federal department.

"That's always been difficult," said the minister. "We're out to find ways to make that easier."

The idea of a working group resulted from discussions at the conference. The group will consist of ministers and deputy ministers who will develop specific ways to improve consultation and information-sharing between the two levels of government.

Mr. Underwood, the deputy minister, said it is an honour to have Nova Scotia chosen for this important task. "It is the kind of challenge we are pleased to take on," he said.

Ministers will review the group's work at a meeting in January 1999 in Quebec City.