Thank you, Madam Chair, and members of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans for the invitation to present this morning.
My name is Ian MacPherson. I am the executive director of the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association.
For those of you who are not familiar with the PEIFA, we have six local fishing organizations that are represented on our board of directors and form the backbone of our organization. We advocate on behalf of over 1,260 harvesters. Our primary species are lobster, herring, mackerel, and tuna.
The PEIFA is an organization that's very active in all areas of the fishery, as our contribution to the provincial gross domestic product is one of the highest in Canada for a fisheries sector. Therefore, many of the proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will directly and indirectly impact our harvesters.
We have had the privilege of presenting to both this standing committee and in other forums over the past two years on these proposed changes, and we want to emphasize that our comments and concerns come from a position of wanting to make the fishery better for harvesters now and many years into the future.
This morning I would like to address six areas of change. The PEIFA agrees that the Fisheries Act of Canada was long overdue for modifications in many areas.
First, the PEIFA would like it noted that there exists a wealth of traditional and community knowledge in our indigenous and non-indigenous fishing communities. This knowledge should be an integral part of any decision-making progress. Both our communities share a common goal of wanting our fishery to flourish for many more generations. We want to underscore that science does have its rightful place in resource management issues, but that the observations and input of all those on the water also need to be respected and taken into account in the decision-making process.
Second, the PEIFA would like it noted that the use of advisory panels can be helpful in the decision-making process. It is important that any panel have a well-rounded representation in an effort to ensure fair and balanced representation and that ex-government employees or special interest groups are not overrepresented. Industry representation must also be included in the composition of these panels.
Third, the PEIFA supports the modernization of the regulatory framework of the Fisheries Act and has been an active member of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada policy streamlining workshops that have been held over the past few years. It is apparent that significant policy variances from one fishing area to another exist, many times regarding the same policy. We have experienced situations where a substitute operator can be used for many days in one jurisdiction and for very few days in another, with very different processes for authorization. We are working towards policies that are fair and comprehensive and also address situations that require a reasoned, compassionate approach. We need to be mindful that we do not change too many policies for the sake of change. We also need to ensure that changes are put forth by legitimate fishing organizations and that small special interest groups within the fishery are not directing changes that could be detrimental to the industry as a whole.
The PEIFA wholeheartedly supports the entrenchment of owner-operator and fleet separation policies into law. We commend Minister LeBlanc for pushing this long talked-about change from policy into legislation.
Fourth, we strongly support the protection of fish habitat. This includes making sure federal environmental reviews take precedence over provincial reviews when the reputation of our Canadian seafood industry is at stake. Currently we are advocating for a federal environmental review of the proposed effluent discharge pipe in the Northumberland Strait from the Northern Pulp mill in Abercrombie, Nova Scotia. The PEIFA, along with members from the Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board, the Maritime Fishermen's Union, and the Pictou Landing First Nation are following all protocols to have a federal review carried out.
With the current emphasis on new technology we must ensure that Canada is a world leader in improving and maintaining our oceans when a new industry starts up or existing industry upgrades are required. We support that ministerial orders can be issued when the physical characteristics of water, such as water temperature and chemical composition of water, are changed, as outlined in proposed subparagraphs 34.3(2)(g)(i) and 34.3(2)(g)(ii).
Fifth, the PEIFA continues to have concerns regarding the impacts of oil and gas exploration in larger and larger areas off the coast of Atlantic Canada. We understand the needs of provinces in seeking additional revenue streams; however, any potential royalty or revenue-sharing arrangement will not come close to offsetting potential losses to the fishing and tourism industries should a significant spill or leak occur.
We are seeing the migratory patterns of some species change, and we must look at all potential contributing factors rather than solely at shifting food sources. We continue to have concerns that oil and gas extraction could be allowed in marine protected areas and that compensation may be available to oil and gas corporations, but not fishers, should no-take zones be established in MPAs.
Sixth, the PEIFA strongly supports changes to the Fisheries Act that enhance the powers of conservation and protection departments, and officers. We are pleased that additional financial resources are being committed to C and P for the valuable work done. We understand that legal decisions are beyond the scope of these legislative changes. However, the PEIFA continues to advocate that penalties be more in line with the seriousness of the offence. Our captains take great pride in their knowledge and skill on the water. A level and fair playing field ensures that our industry can survive and flourish for many more years to come. Recently, on P.E.I., there have been some fines and suspensions that are more reflective of the seriousness of the offences committed. We hope this trend continues.
In summation, the PEIFA is an organization that will continue to be active in as many areas of the fishery as our internal resources allow. We will continue to advocate for changes that make sense as organizations, and governments must all be accountable for our actions as our fishing industry experiences an unprecedented period of new challenges and change.
I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans for the opportunity to present and provide what I hope is viewed as valuable feedback. I would be glad to answer any questions the committee members may have.
Thank you.