Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour.
Canadians are saddened by the violence, the threats and racism we have witnessed over the last couple of weeks in my home province of Nova Scotia. I can assure Canadians and the House that this government is focused on this issue and will continue to work with first nations to implement their constitutional treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood and ensure there is security and safety on the ground.
We understand the importance of collaborative dialogue and that is why the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is in regular communication with the first nations and industry leadership to find a path forward. The only way to do that is through de-escalation and continued dialogue, and we are hearing a lot of that tonight.
Recent events surrounding Nova Scotia's fisheries have brought this issue to the forefront. However, let me be clear that our government's priority remains and will always remain the safety of everyone involved. We need and want to lower all the tensions for a calm, productive resolution to this impasse. There is room for everyone's voices to be heard and we can build a safe, productive and sustainable lobster fishery for all harvesters.
I, like all Canadians, especially those in my province of Nova Scotia, am saddened by the events in Digby county and West Pubnico. This government condemns the actions of every single individual who destroyed property, committed violence or uttered threats. There is no place for this kind of violence or intimidation in Canada, and I know Canadians across the country share the same feeling.
It is especially disturbing to hear reports of racist comments by some and actions made toward first nations people. This is unacceptable. We all have a responsibility, and I believe somebody else said it tonight, to call this kind of behaviour out, and the language. I would be remiss to say that the actions of some of the fishers in West Nova is not reflective of the community I have come to know. They are good people, caring people, industrious people, but the actions by those individuals need to be taken into account.
We are committed, as a government, to building nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationships based on the principles of respect, partnership and recognition of rights.
Also, this government takes its commitment to reconciliation seriously and acknowledges what we are hearing tonight, that past systems, approaches and methods have not worked.
Canada has started on the path to right these wrongs in partnership with indigenous people, provincial governments, territorial governments and all Canadians. We are currently working in collaboration with first nations to implement their treaty rights to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. Since the landmark Supreme Court of Canada Marshall decision of 1999, which affirmed these rights, the path toward implementation has had its successes and its setbacks.
Over the years, the department has launched several programs and has made investments to address the rights of the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet communities in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, beginning with the Marshall response initiative. Then we have subsequent programs like the Atlantic integrated commercial fisheries initiative that continues today to provide funding and support to Marshall communities to build the capacity of the commercial fishing enterprises and strengthen community economic self-sufficiency.
We have been negotiating with Marshall groups since 2017 to collaborate on the articulation of their rights to the rights of reconciliation agreements. Last year we signed rights and reconciliation agreements with three first nations communities.
This does not mean we are done. We are not done by a long shot. There are still challenges we must work together to address and further implement the treaty.
I also want to take this opportunity to talk about the hard-working women and men who make up our fisheries. Their work helps rural and coastal communities like mine and their catches end up on the tables across Canada, providing Canadians with high-quality sustainable seafood year-round.
In my riding of Cape Breton—Canso, I think of commercial fishers like Bobby, Herbie, Jeannie, Carla, James, Leonard, Brian, Mike, Gordon, Rocky, Glen and Dwayne. They have been strong leaders in the local fishery and had mentored me about the fishing sector, especially in the past year. These fishers want to be a part of the solution. I think of my extended family, who are fishers as well. They too want to be a part of the solution.
I am especially proud of the LFAs in Cape Breton—Canso that have not resorted to violence, but, rather, have been open to listening and learning about how we can all come together and follow a collective path forward. I thank them for their leadership.
Yes, I have been in contact with commercial fishers in my riding and they have been clear. They want to be heard and to be part of the conversation about the future of the fishery. This is the case with commercial harvesters across my entire province. I would like to note that the minister is committed to appointing a ministerial special representative to help foster dialogue and co-operation and this appointment will be informed by consultations with both first nations and industry representatives.
I also know that in my travels throughout my riding, many voiced concerns over conservation. I want them and everyone to know that we are listening. Conservation is a priority shared by everyone: DFO, first nations and industry. Every party wants to see this resource conserved for generations to come and I believe we have that in common. I want to assure everyone that DFO will continue to monitor stocks and will only move forward with a plan that ensures the health of the fishery.
I think we can all agree that reconciliation is an imperative for Canada. That is why it is important to work in the spirit of respect. We all have a role to play. What is currently happening in Nova Scotia does not advance this goal, nor does it support the implementation of first nations treaty rights or a productive or orderly fishery. Frankly, it is not helping any party involved. More importantly, I know that this is not a true reflection of Nova Scotia, my home province and my home. This is not what it means to be Nova Scotia strong.
The current issues surrounding the fishery are long-standing and deeply personal to all involved. The only way to resolve it is through respectful and collaborative dialogue and we must continue to work together, nation to nation, government to government, but also along with industry to support a viable and sustainable fishery for years to come.
I appreciate this time to speak on such an important matter, not just for my riding, but for my province and my country.