Supplementary information tables

Response to parliamentary committees and external audits

Response to parliamentary committees

Protection and Coexistence of the North Atlantic Right Whale in Canada

On March 20, 2023, the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report entitled Protection and Coexistence of the North Atlantic Right Whale in Canada. The Committee’s 48 recommendations highlighted the important role DFO and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) play in generating knowledge and implementing measures to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale. The Government Response was tabled on September 18, 2023. The Response noted that the Government, in collaboration with harvesters, industry, and Indigenous communities, will continue to take concrete actions to protect North Atlantic Right Whale while balancing economic considerations.

Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

On June 20, 2023, the Government tabled its response to the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans report entitled Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans that was tabled on March 9, 2023. The Government Response noted the important role of science in informing fisheries management decisions at DFO, highlighted the expertise of Departmental scientists, committed to transparent decision-making and to engage and consult fish harvesters, industry and Indigenous peoples.

Ecosystem Impacts and Management of Pinniped Populations

On December 12, 2023, the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report entitled Ecosystem Impacts and Management of Pinniped Populations. The Report included 17 recommendations that focused on increasing the seal harvest; removing barriers to the sale of pinniped products; increasing and improving scientific research at DFO; and, adopting a comprehensive and interventionist approach to pinniped management in Canada. The Government Response was in development in 2023-24.

Foreign Ownership and Corporate Concentration of Fishing Licenses and Quota

On November 21, 2023, the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report entitled Foreign Ownership and Corporate Concentration of Fishing Licenses and Quota. The Report contained 19 recommendations and called for the implementation of Atlantic inshore-style policies and foreign ownership limits in fisheries; increased government oversight and collaboration; enhanced enforcement of the inshore regulations; and improved supports for commercial harvesters. The Government Response was in development in 2023-24.

Allocation of Resources to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission

On November 21, 2023, the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled its report entitled Restoring Full Accountability for Resources and Governance of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Report’s 16 recommendations focused on funding allocations; perceived conflicts of interest regarding DFO’s position as both the delivery agency for the Sea Lamprey Control Program and portfolio manager for the GLFC; and, the governance structure, noting the need for a change from DFO to Global Affairs Canada. The Government Response was tabled in the House of Commons on March 23, 2024. The Government Response responded to each recommendation and highlighted actions taken by DFO since June 2023 to renew the relationship between the Department and the Commission.

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)

On November 7, 2023, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development tabled its report entitled Monitoring Marine Fisheries Catch. It noted the need to collect dependable and timely information to sustainably manage commercial marine fisheries and protect Canada’s fish stocks from overfishing. The audit also noted slow progress on the implementation of the Fishery Monitoring Policy and its information management systems. DFO appeared before the House Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable development on November 9, 2023 and the Department’s Management Action Plan was tabled with the Committee on November 10, 2023.

The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development also tabled its report entitled Zero-Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act – 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. The report concluded that Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is insufficient to meet its 2030 target to reduce emissions by 40% to 45% below the 2005 level by 2030. This was the first plan developed under the new Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act. DFO appeared before the House Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development on November 9, 2023. The Department’s Management Action Plan was in development in 2023-24.

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 2023–24 requiring a response.