News Release Archive
FISHERIES--USER FEES REVIEW WELCOMED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse has welcomed the news from Ottawa that Federal Treasury Board President Marcel Masse has agreed to review the cumulative impacts of user fees on the fishing industry. Nova Scotia has been asking for a thorough review of fishing and related service fees since 1995, said Mr. Barkhouse. The provincial legislature passed a motion Oct. 26, 1995, asking the Prime Minister, Finance Minister Paul Martin and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to recognize Nova Scotia's uniqueness and provide opportunities "to develop appropriate, made-in-Nova Scotia strategies for building a sustainable fishery by examining the cumulative impacts of all proposed fisheries policies and fees prior to their implementation," Mr. Barkhouse said. "I am relieved that our message is being heard in Ottawa," he said. "Our fishing and fish processing industries are the major source of employment and revenue for many coastal communities. Each full-time job creates another two to three indirect jobs through the provision of goods and services. We need to focus our efforts on helping industry to survive and grow." Mr. Barkhouse said the provincial Department of Fisheries is prepared to assist the federal minister in his review of fees and he hopes there will be opportunities for discussion before final decisions are made. -30- Contact: Diane Kenny 902-424-0308 trp Feb. 7, 1997 - 12:45 p.m.