News Release Archive
FISHERIES--FISHERIES ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT ACT
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Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse today
introduced enabling legislation that will provide a
framework to strengthen fishing associations.
"I am pleased to move forward at the request of fishing
associations with legislation that establishes a democratic
process for organizing limited entry fishers in Nova
Scotia," said Mr. Barkhouse.
The minister explained that the bill, the Fisheries
Organizations Support Act, applies to individuals possessing
licences for fisheries managed through a controlled number
of participants.
Mr. Barkhouse stressed that this is enabling legislation and
would only apply if a majority of fishers in a region vote
in favor of mandatory dues.
For purposes of vote taking, the province will be divided
into six regions which reflect fishing zones. The Fisheries
Department will conduct the vote, and a minimum of 60 per
cent voter turnout is required for voting to be valid. "This
is to ensure adequate participation from industry, and that
an affirmative vote indeed reflects the wishes of the
majority," Mr. Barkhouse said.
Following an affirmative vote, associations accredited by
the minister can then proceed with steps to recruit
membership. In accordance with the act, members will be
required to pay a minimum of $100 a year in dues; however,
associations may decide to levy higher fees.
Mr. Barkhouse said that, over the coming weeks, the
department will continue to work with industry to develop
the regulations required to implement the new Act.
The minister said that consultation has played an important
role in developing the legislation. "The process leading up
to this point has taken almost two years and goes back to
February, 1994 when I was first approached by organizations
to examine the issue of enabling legislation for mandatory
dues checkoff. At that time, the message to me was strong
and clear, that there has never been a greater need to have
effective, self-financed organizations than now."
"Moving forward on the request of industry, we have since
then advertised the issue of mandatory dues checkoff
throughout the regions and discussed it at a series of
community meetings and major round table meetings with
industry," he said.
Mr. Barkhouse said there is growing concern from industry
and fishing communities that their interests be adequately
represented in decisions affecting their livelihood. "Strong
organizations will ensure that these concerns, needs and
interests are heard and understood by the provincial and
federal governments," he said.
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Contact: Nadine MacAulay 902-424-0335
NOTE TO EDITORS: For backgrounder call 902-424-4492 or
1-800-670-4357.
trp Oct. 26, 1995
