Nova Scotia to Ottawa: Action Needed Now

Nova Scotia's Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Michael Baker, met in Ottawa today with federal officials and provincial counterparts to discuss important issues around the Marshall decision.

Mr. Baker said he is extremely concerned that the federal government doesn't appreciate how important the fishery is to native and non-native fishermen in the province.

"I'm not certain how people can ignore what they're seeing on their television screens," said Mr. Baker. "People here are extremely frustrated that more than a month after the Supreme Court of Canada ruling, there's still too much uncertainty over management of the lobster fishery. We've said it before, but what we need here is some real leadership."

Mr. Baker said it's clear that provinces will need to study how the court ruling could affect other resource areas, but that the lobster fishery takes precedence and demands a speedy resolution.

"We also want to make it clear that conservation and safety must be the cornerstones of a post-Marshall fishery," said Mr. Baker. "And neither the province nor our fishing communities should have to bear the costs associated with a new management regime."

Mr. Baker said residents in every province and territory have a common interest in conservation of fish resources. It is clearly the responsibility of the federal government to control the agenda on this, and to develop an implementation plan that recognizes the best interests of all users, he said.

"We recognize and respect the judgement, but the federal government must exercise its responsibility to protect the resource and the rights of all parties," he said.

Mr. Baker said government will promote the need for continued discussions on a number of aboriginal issues. But he added that further talks will be hampered unless it is clarified who is entitled to benefit from the ruling.

"We're more than willing, in fact we're eager to talk. But we need direction on who should be sitting at the table."