QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Allocation of Fishery
June 4, 2024
Thank you for being here today, Minister Lebouthillier.
Last year, the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or DFO, announced its intentions to reopen the Redfish Unit 1 commercial fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec for the first time since 1995. On Friday, DFO unveiled its management plan for the 2024-25 period, which allocated 58.69% to offshore mobile gear — a fleet sector that has vessels over 100 feet — while about 15% of the quota went to inshore vessels and 10% to Indigenous communities and organizations. How was this allocation determined?
The allocation was determined following work with the provinces. They wanted to keep their existing quotas. We kept the quotas for Quebec. The quotas for Nova Scotia were reduced and went to New Brunswick for the fishers and First Nations communities. Quotas were also granted to Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. The Redfish Advisory Committee was asked not to allow overfishing, but to ensure responsible fishing that will ensure value-added production. We worked with the Redfish Advisory Committee, which recommended to us that 60,000 tonnes be caught this year. Processing the fish is also a consideration. We are at phase 1 and the consultations will continue for phase 2.
The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union has expressed frustration with this allocation, saying that the federal government is prioritizing corporations over fishermen struggling to survive. How would you respond to this?
Working with large corporations is a reality in the fishing industry. These businesses hire people in rural areas. They supply our processing plants, which also employ people from our communities. The entire fisheries sector is making every effort to keep our people working in rural areas.
