Mandate commitments

• As Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, I am proud of the recent progress we have made to protect and promote our three oceans and our waterways, and to sustain and rebuild our fisheries so that they remain healthy for future generations.
• First off, underpinned by historic scientific investments, we have taken action to restore and modernize the Fisheries Act, including greater focus on protecting fish and fish habitat and rebuilding fish stocks.
• We are also engaging with partners and stakeholders to introduce Canada’s first-ever Aquaculture Act to help sustainably grow the industry, while protecting the marine environment.
• With respect to marine protection, now that we’ve attained almost 14 per cent of Canada’s marine conservation targets, we’ll move forward with our goal of protecting 25 per cent of Canada’s marine and coastal areas by 2025, working toward 30 per cent by 2030.
• We also continue to push forward on the renewal of our aging Canadian Coast Guard fleet to keep our waters safe and secure and to support our economy by ensuring safe marine shipping across the country.
• Moving forward, our actions will continue to reflect our vision for a safe, healthy, and sustainable ocean, and a viable fishery for future generations.

Background:

• In addition to the Department’s ongoing responsibilities in the areas of maritime safety and security, reconciliation, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity in remote and coastal communities, the 2019 mandate letter specifies the Prime Minister’s top priorities for the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• These priorities included: a blue economy strategy; continued implementation of changes to the Fisheries Act; further develop the Oceans Protections Plan; increase investments in small craft harbours; continue renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet; support the creation of Defense Procurement Canada; conserve 25 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2025, working towards 30 per cent by 2030; invest in marine science and fighting invasive species; transition from open net-pen salmon farming in BC and work to introduce an Aquaculture Act; support the development of a boat-to-plate traceability program; use scientific evidence and traditional Indigenous knowledge in decision- making; and, implement the Ocean Plastics Charter and G7 Charlevoix Blueprint.
• The September 2020 Speech from the Throne also highlighted the Blue Economy, noting that the Government continues to be committed to growing Canada’s ocean economy to create opportunities for fishers and coastal communities while advancing reconciliation and conservation.