News Release Archive
FISHERIES/AQUACULTURE--Coastal Communities at Risk, Says Minister
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Nova Scotia's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jim
Barkhouse, said he intends to fight for recognition of provincial
and community interests when the Fisheries Act is reintroduced in
Parliament this fall.
"Nova Scotians must have a lead role in charting their future
course," said Mr. Barkhouse.
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is aggressively
making changes that narrows its scope of operations and focuses
on forming partnerships with fish harvesters.
Meanwhile, the province and coastal communities are being
eliminated as partners in resource planning and decision-making,
he said. The minister said the province has the legislated
mandate to foster community involvement in the management of
coastal resources.
"I'm challenging the federal government to make explicit
reference to the provinces in the revised Fisheries Act," said
the minister.
Mr. Barkhouse recently met with Senator Sister Peggy Butts in
Ottawa to discuss the impact of changing fisheries policies and
legislation. He said he and Senator Butts share deep concerns
about the direction of fishery policy, which seems to be driven
by rationalization and efficiency objectives.
"People and communities are being left out of this equation, and
it is our future that is at stake," said Mr. Barkhouse.
Senator Butts, who has been involved with the Coastal Communities
Network and the Nova Scotia Round Table on Environment and
Economy, said she is prepared to work with Mr. Barkhouse to help
promote community-based co-management and secure coastal
infrastructure.
"These are the keys to a sustainable future," she said. "We can
create new opportunities if we work together to pursue a vision
which focuses on strengthening our communities."
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Contact: Jim Barkhouse
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-8954
ngr Nov. 7, 1997 12:45 p.m.
