2022-23 Departmental Results Report
Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
Response to parliamentary committees
The Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report in the Senate of Canada on July 12, 2022. The report contained 10 recommendations with the objective of advancing priorities around reconciliation and further implementation of rights-based fishing. The Government Response was led by DFO and tabled on February 24, 2023. The Government response notes ways in which DFO will continue to work with Indigenous peoples in the areas of fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat, and marine waterways. In addition, DFO will work diligently in partnership with Treaty Nations to develop the path forward toward the next phase of rights-based fishing and nation-to-nation agreements.
On October 6, 2022, The Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report which contains 29 recommendations directed at improving Canada’s marine pollution response services and the safety of Canadians in the marine environment. The Government Response, tabled on February 1, 2023, was led by Transport Canada, with input from DFO, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The Government Response notes that many of the recommendations are consistent with initiatives taking place through investments made under the Oceans Protection Plan to enhance Canada’s response to marine incidents, including marine cargo container spills.
Implementation of the Mi’kmaw and Maliseet Treaty Right to Fish in Pursuit of a Moderate Livelihood
The House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report on February 28, 2022. The report examined the implementation of the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood held by Treaty Nations in the Maritimes and Gaspe region of Quebec. DFO tabled the Government Response on June 22, 2022. The Government Response states that the Committee’s 40 recommendations will help guide the Government’s continued nation-to-nation work with Treaty Nations in Atlantic Canada and Quebec to further implement their treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
The House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report on February 28, 2022. The report made 12 recommendations which underline the economic, cultural and social values of the striped bass species and the importance of managing sustainable and healthy fish populations. A Government Response was tabled by DFO on June 22, 2022. The Government Response underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to renewed relationships with First Nations rights holders and to advance reconciliation while also ensuring consultation and collaborative decision-making in the management of fisheries.
Pacific Salmon: Ensuring the Long-Term Health of Wild Populations and Associated Fisheries
The House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report on February 28, 2022. The report contained 32 recommendations, of which several point to enhancing existing work being undertaken by the Government of Canada. DFO tabled the Government Response on June 22, 2022 and will continue to review and improve its existing approaches to conserving and sustaining Pacific salmon. DFO is committed to supporting Pacific salmon conservation, through the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, to engage in new work and take bold measures, to help Pacific salmon rebound.
Traceability and Labelling of Fish and Seafood Products
On June 7, 2022, the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report which contained 13 recommendations to strengthen Canada’s fish and seafood industry and its commitment to food security and consumer protection in Canada. The Government Response, tabled on October 17, 2022, was a collaborative effort among the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; DFO; Health Canada; Global Affairs Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; and Employment and Social Development Canada. The Response indicates that recommendations will help enhance Canada’s fish and seafood traceability and labelling policies and practices; support the market access of Canadian fish and seafood products domestically and abroad; protect food safety; and support Canadian consumers so that they have the information they need to make informed decisions about the consumption of fish and seafood products in Canada.
Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
The House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report on March 29, 2023. The Report, which contains 48 recommendations, examines the process followed by DFO to develop scientific studies; communication of results to Canadians; and, the use of scientific advice to inform decisions made by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. The Government Response was still in development in 2022-23.
Protection and Coexistence of the North Atlantic Right Whale in Canada
The House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report on March 20, 2023. The Committee’s report evaluated the existing North Atlantic right whale (NARW) protection measures in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, as well as the impact recovery measures have had on the economies of coastal communities. The report contained 48 recommendations and the Committee has requested a Government Response, which was in development in 2022-23.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
DFO officials appeared at the House Standing Committee on Public Accounts on February 13, 2023, in response to the Office of the Auditor General of Canada’s Report 6: Arctic Waters Surveillance. DFO provided its Management Action Plan to the Committee on February 8, 2023.
DFO officials also appeared at the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on March 21, 2023 in response to the Commissioner on Environment and Sustainable Development’s Report 7: Protecting Aquatic Species at Risk and Report 9: Departmental Progress in Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies, both tabled on October 4, 2022. DFO’s Management Action Plan was provided to the House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on October 31, 2022.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
There were no audits in 2022-23 requiring a response.
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