QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Treatment of Mi'kmaq Fishers
June 4, 2024
Welcome, Minister Lebouthillier.
It has been two months since the inhumane treatment of two young Mi’kmaq fishers in Nova Scotia and two months since you agreed to use an independent third party to investigate the issue.
I have followed up with the Mi’kmaq leadership and have been told that there has been no movement.
Minister, the safety and security of Mi’kmaq fishers exercising their constitutionally affirmed rights are at stake here. We cannot risk or afford the investigation and report being dragged on into the next election cycle.
Minister, my question is this: When, exactly, can we expect a new, independent process to be in place?
Meetings are planned for this week, hence my visit to Nova Scotia last week and the meeting I had with the Eskasoni community, to advise them that the process would begin this week on the committee being created.
Thank you, minister.
The officers involved in the incident, and in subsequent incidents throughout Mi’kma’ki, continue to work in the community. This does nothing to promote trust and goodwill between the Mi’kmaq and your department.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s, or DFO’s, 2019 reconciliation strategy provides a commitment to a renewed relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
Minister, as we wait for this independent process, what concrete actions are you undertaking in the interim to ensure you are addressing the concerns of Mi’kmaq? Are you, for instance, providing training in de-escalation techniques?
I want to reassure the senator. In the wake of the unacceptable situation that occurred, the department will really ensure that it provide proper training. We truly have to do better so that these unacceptable situations never happen again.
