News Release Archive
PREMIER--PREMIER WELCOMES MINISTER'S DECISIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------- Premier John Savage said today he is "encouraged" by Ottawa's response to changes in federal fisheries policies proposed by Nova Scotia fishermen this week. "The federal government's willingness to amend its policies proves that value of people sitting down and negotiating face-to-face." "Seldom before in the history of this province have so many people pulled together to fight for community survival," the premier said. "While there are many different views about managing the fishery, Nova Scotians are united in their determination to chart their own future courses. Fishing is a business and it is also a way of life." The premier and Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse said they welcomed today's announcement by Federal Fisheries Minister Fred Mifflin of a new industry definition of a "core" fishermen. Ottawa has agreed to designate as a core fisherman, "any head of a fishing enterprise who has 75 per cent of his earned income from fishing." The federal minister also agreed to accept industry's request to put a freeze on Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) for the fixed gear fleet for 1996 and to initiate a mediation process to develop a fixed gear groundfish management plan for 1996 as early as next week. The premier said he spoke to the federal minister on several occasions about the possibility of a face-to face meeting between federal fisheries officials and Nova Scotia fishermen. The most recent request came following a meeting in Halifax between the premier, Mr. Barkhouse and a delegation of fish industry representatives. Last October the Nova Scotia Legislature unanimously passed a resolution asking the Prime Minister to recognize the diversity and uniqueness of Nova Scotia's fishing industry. "We asked for the opportunity to develop appropriate, made-in-Nova Scotia strategies for building a sustainable fishery. Last week I called again to repeat our request. In addition our members of parliament spent many hours talking with Mr. Mifflin and his officials. Working together with fishermen and communities, we succeeded in making our voice heard in Ottawa." Mr. Barkhouse said he was pleased that additional time will be given to review and revise the draft Fisheries Act (Bill C-115). "Through the legislative process, such as the federal fisheries committee, industry will have an opportunity to discuss, define and codify the values and principles which will guide fisheries management into the next century," Mr. Barkhouse said. -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 jlw Mar. 08, 1996 3:45 p.m.