News Release Archive
FISHERIES--MINISTER WELCOMES MEETING ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse said he is encouraged by the decision by Fisheries and Oceans to meet with fisheries groups. Federal Fisheries Minister Fred Mifflin has invited representatives of fisheries groups in Scotia-Fundy to meet with senior officials on Monday morning in Dartmouth. "These have been very tense and trying weeks. Many people have been working diligently to achieve a middle ground where talks could begin between the fishing industry and DFO. This represents a major step toward establishing meaningful negotiations to resolve the current dispute and address the concerns of our fishing communities," said Mr.Barkhouse. The minister said the meeting is an important opportunity for representatives from all fishing sectors to express their concerns and views about new federal policies. "Nova Scotia's fishing industry is facing changes that could drastically affect the future of the industry and fishing communities," he said. "I cannot stress enough the importance of consultation in these matters. Fishing is an $800 million a year industry in Nova Scotia. It drives the economy of our coastal communities creating a vast network of jobs both in the fishery and in spin-off industrial activities." "Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians must play a much greater role in the decision-making process associated with the development of new policies. The meeting with DFO is a positive move toward creating productive dialogue and building trust between industry and the federal department," Mr. Barkhouse said. -30- Contact: Diane Kenny 902-424-0308 jlw Mar. 01. 1996 4:40 p.m.