Province Looks for Answers on Fishery

Nova Scotia is looking to the federal government for answers on implementation of the Marshall ruling and on issues around this year's aboriginal food fishery.

Ernest Fage, Nova Scotia's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, met with his federal counterpart, Minister Herb Dhaliwal, on Saturday and asked for clarification on the plans of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

"I am optimistic that every effort will be taken to ensure this spring's commercial fishery will be regulated and safe," said Mr. Fage following the two-hour meeting.

"It was a great opportunity for productive dialogue," said Mr. Fage. "I brought forward the need for all participants in the commercial fishery to operate with the same set of rules, seasons and catch controls. Mr. Dhaliwal assured me that the commercial fishery will be regulated by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans."

The Marshall ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada gave natives the right to earn a moderate livelihood from fishing, hunting and gathering. A subsequent clarification determined that the right is also subject to federal regulation.

"I have been assured that the aboriginal food, social and ceremonial fishing rights are for that purpose only and not a means to enter the commercial fishery," said Mr. Fage of the food fishery issue. "Conservation is imperative."

He is confident an integrated commercial fishery that ensures all commercial harvesters abide by the same rules is achievable.

"All Nova Scotians have a right to a peaceful, safe fishery," said the minister. "We will do our part to co-operate with native and non-native communities and all levels of government to find a solution."

The federal department has earmarked $160 million to be used to buyback commercial licences so they can be transferred to native communities. There are a few interim fishery management agreements in place with bands; others are expected to be signed in the next few weeks.

"I'm also pleased to see that the federal government has increased its enforcement efforts with an announcement of an extra $13 million," said Mr. Fage. "Illegal fishing has been a problem for a long time and this increased effort will help with our conservation concerns."

At a news conference following the meeting, Mr. Dhaliwal and Mr. Fage called on all people in the fishery for tolerance, peace and calm this spring.