QUESTION PERIOD — Fisheries and Oceans
Rights-Based Fisheries
April 9, 2024
My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Senator Gold, last week, two Mi’kmaq youth were detained inhumanely by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or DFO, agents. The youth were exercising their traditional treaty and Aboriginal rights to fish on Mi’kmaq territory, and two DFO agents took their phones and shoes, forcing them to walk some distance in socked feet. This is not treatment that any Canadian deserves, and no Canadian would be okay with their children being treated this way. It cannot go unaddressed.
Senator Gold, how is DFO responding to these serious allegations of harassment and, quite frankly, abuse of power?
Thank you for your question.
The government is taking this very seriously and would not at all quibble with the way you have characterized it, senator.
My understanding is that Fisheries and Oceans Canada has launched an investigation into the incident. I’m also advised that they have been in touch with community leadership on this area. I don’t have more details about the investigation that’s being launched, and even if I did, it would not be appropriate for me to share them. But the government is following this very seriously. It’s unacceptable, and we look forward to the results of the investigation.
Senator Gold, there continues to be tensions between DFO and Indigenous peoples throughout the Atlantic region.
When will Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or DFO, start approaching fisheries in Mi’kmaq territory from a rights-based perspective and start properly honouring the Marshall decision made some 25 years ago?
It’s important that DFO — and all — respect the rights recognized in our constitution and by our courts, and to give priority to dealing with Indigenous communities on a right‑based basis.
Some work has been done. More work needs to be done. The government and DFO are committed and obligated to do so. My understanding is there will be more to say from the federal government with regard to future substantive policy review in this area.
