Minister Gets Assurances On Fishing Licence Transfers

Fisherman will still be able to transfer commercial licences in an updated Fisheries Act, the province says.

In late April, Ron Chisholm, Minster of Fisheries and Aquaculture, met with federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn to discuss Nova Scotia fishermen's concerns about Bill C-45, an update to the fisheries act.

"In a letter minister Hearn sent me yesterday, he assured me that this clause is identical to what exists today in the fisheries regulations," said Mr. Chisholm.

"It's DFO's practice to re-issue licences, when fishermen decide to retire, to eligible fishermen who are recommended. The federal minister assured me this practice will continue, as long as the recommended person is eligible."

"Mr. Hearn has assured me that interested parties will have an opportunity to provide information directly to department staff, as well as at the committee level, on other aspects of Bill C-45," said Mr. Chisholm. "It's important that the views of Nova Scotia's fishing community are known, and that any new legislation reflects the needs of the industry it regulates."

Public consultation dates and locations will be announced at a later date.