Province Applauds Commitment by Mi'kmaq

Nova Scotia's Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Michael Baker, has commended Mi'kmaq chiefs for their efforts to reduce tensions in fishing communities throughout Nova Scotia.

Mr. Baker said a Mi'kmaq spokesperson indicated today that the chiefs have asked aboriginal fishermen off Yarmouth to recall their boats.

"This certainly shows a commitment to ease concerns that have developed since the Supreme Court of Canada ruling on the Donald Marshall Jr. case," said Mr. Baker. "It's a welcome step. And it addresses a fundamental concern among non-aboriginal fishermen. We continue to encourage all parties to exercise restraint and work together to resolve outstanding issues."

Ernest Fage, provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, also renewed calls for prompt federal action.

"Due to the fragile nature of fishery stocks and the uncertainty about the implications of the Marshall decision, the federal government has a duty to act quickly," said Mr. Fage. "The federal minister must act promptly to reassure Nova Scotians who are concerned about safety and conservation in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling. Any action should include interim management measures."

Last Friday, the Supreme Court of Canada overturned Marshall's 1996 conviction for catching eels during a closed season with a prohibited net in Antigonish County, and for selling them without a commercial fishing licence. The court ruled that the federal fisheries regulations infringed a treaty right, which is guaranteed in the Constitution.

Mr. Fage and Mr. Baker said all fishermen in Nova Scotia need to know what the ground rules will be. Both ministers pledged to continue to involve their officials in talks with the federal government, the Mi'kmaq and industry stakeholders.