Minister Supports Fisheries Policy Debate

A Senate fisheries committee report released Tuesday is right on the mark when it calls for full public debate on privatization in the fishery, says Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell.

In particular, Mr. Colwell applauds the committee and its chair, Nova Scotian Senator Gerald Comeau, for recommending an immediate freeze on new individual transferable quotas, known as ITQs.

"We need to take a hard look at this," Mr. Colwell said. "The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and certain industry sectors are moving forward quickly on ITQs. But there has been little or no public debate on how they affect our industry and our coastal communities."

Mr. Colwell said the report focuses needed attention on a crucial matter of public policy for Nova Scotians.

"Nova Scotia has always promoted a sustainable and economically viable fishery. We're not convinced that the only way to do this is through privatization and increasing the number of ITQs."

Individual transferable quotas are those that allocate a specific quantity of fish annually to a person, vessel or business. It is transferable because the quota can be traded or sold to others in the fishery.

The Senate committee underlined the need for more public discussion with a warning that Canada's commercial fishery is changing rapidly and profoundly in ways not seen before.

The 66-page report made 10 recommendations, most dealing with the contentious quota system. The report is on the Internet at http://www.parl.gc.ca/36/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e /fish-e/current_study-e.htm .