QUESTION PERIOD — Crown-Indigenous Relations
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
March 19, 2024
Senator Gold, eight years ago, Prime Minister Trudeau stated that no relationship was more important to him than the one with Indigenous peoples. Your government has often emphasized the importance of nation-to nation relations, yet unilateral decisions by government departments, like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or DFO, have only served to hurt First Nation fisheries. From shutting down the elver fishery, to not increasing the total allowable catch for Indigenous companies like Clearwater — despite signs supporting an increase — to proposing marine-protected areas with boundaries that would cut off 10% of Clearwater’s lobster fishery, DFO continues to impose policies that are harmful and prejudicial to First Nation fishers.
Senators, treaties clearly protect Mi’kmaq resource rights. Further, the UNDRIP implementation act commits your government to aligning its laws and policies with UNDRIP. Will your government commit to taking a rights-based approach to all fishery-related discussions and policies —
Thank you for your question. Indeed, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples remains a core priority of this government, as are recognizing and respecting Indigenous rights and Indigenous rights holders. I’ve been informed that Fisheries and Oceans Canada is prioritizing collaborative relationships with Indigenous fish harvesters through agreements, through understandings and through dialogue. However, there remains, as in all of these areas, much more work to do.
I’ve been assured that Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to being partners with Indigenous communities to implement their rights, and it is committed to seeing this important work continue in the years to come.
Senator, since February, I’ve been engaged in a listening tour throughout Mi’kma’ki where chiefs and council leaders and subject-matter experts have shared their issues and priorities with me. In Newfoundland, several Mi’kmaq chiefs shared with me about their participation in an assessment of the redfish industry in 2017. They requested 25,000 metric tonnes and, instead, 25,000 metric tonnes were awarded to all redfish fishers. Only 10% was carved out for Indigenous people.
Thank you. I understand the thrust of your question, senator. The government understands the importance of the redfish industry to coastal and Indigenous communities. That’s why, following extensive consultations, and based upon the latest scientific data, Minister Lebouthillier announced the reopening of the commercial redfish fishery for 2024. But, since this fishery was under a moratorium for 30 years, it’s important to get it right, and that’s why it’s proceeding as it is.
