Decision Ensures Cornerstones of Coastal Communities are Protected

The federal government's decision not to eliminate the fleet separation and owner-operator policies in the Canadian fisheries is good news for Nova Scotia fishermen.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau is applauding the hard work of the province's fishermen to protect the two policies and said today, Sept. 21, the announcement ensures the livelihoods of thousands of families in rural Nova Scotia is protected.

"Nova Scotia was the first province to call on the federal government to clarify its position on these policies and I'm thankful it listened," said Mr. Belliveau. "As I've said many times, these policies are the cornerstones of our coastal communities and they ensure the independence of our fishery."

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans policies of owner-operator and fleet separation implemented in the late 1970s support independent fishermen by requiring ownership and operation of their vessels, and licences and that processing plants could not directly own quota.

Earlier this year the federal government released a discussion paper, entitled The Future of Canada's Commercial Fisheries, which did not include mention of the owner-operator and fleet separation policies, causing great concern across Atlantic Canada.

In early March, Mr. Belliveau asserted the Nova Scotia government's support for both the owner-operator and fleet separation policies and asked the federal government to clarify its position. During the House of Assembly session the minister introduced a resolution to this effect which received the full support of the House.

"We called on the federal government to listen to fishermen across Atlantic Canada and I'm glad it did," said Mr. Belliveau.