Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO)
Main Estimates 2024-2025

Table of contents

• A – Opening Remarks
• B – Placemat
• C – Main Estimates 2024-2025
  • C1 - Briefing Deck
  • C2 - Main Estimates Issue Note
  • C3 - Summary Table Main Estimates
• D – Financial Issue Notes
  • D4 - Refocusing on Government Spending
  • D5 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada Workforce Profile
  • D6 - Support for Fish Harvesters
  • D7 - Atlantic Fisheries Fund
  • D8 - Quebec Fisheries Fund
  • D9 - Procurement at DFO
  • D10 - QP Note on Budget 2024
• E – Canadian Coast Guard
  • E11 - Fleet Renewal
  • E12 - Wrecked, Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels
  • E13 - Maritime Search and Rescue
• F – DFO Issue Notes
  • F14 - CESD Audit Marine Fisheries Catch
  • F15 - North Atlantic Right Whale
  • F16 - Small Craft Harbours
  • F17 - Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
  • F18 - Climate Change
  • F19 - Permitting Process to Support Clean Growth
  • F20 - Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) Fisheries
  • F21 - Indigenous Moderate Livelihood Fishing
  • F22 - Reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
  • F23 - Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)
  • F24 - Internal Measures to Tackle System Racism and in Support of Reconciliation
  • F25 - Transformation of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation
  • F26 - Marine Conservation
  • F27 - Task Group on Traceability and Labelling of Fish and Seafood Products
  • F28 - Fisheries Catch Data Collection – Electronic Logbooks
  • F29 - Ghost Gear
  • F30 - Atlantic Salmon Direct Genetic Interactions Risk Assessment on the East Coast
  • F31 - Foreign Ownership
  • F32 - Judicial Review of the Re-Issuance of Clearwater’s Licences to a Coalition of Atlantic Mi’kmaq First Nations
• G – Regional Notes
  • G33 - Elver Fishery
  • G34 - Shrimp and Redfish Fishery
  • G35 - Lobster Fishery
  • G36 - Capelin Management Approach for Newfoundland and Labrador
  • G37 - Tidal Energy
  • G38 - Avon River Tidal Gate / Highway 101 Twinning
  • G39 - Striped Bass
  • G40 - Establishment of the Arctic Region
  • G41 - Treaty Negotiations on the West Coast
  • G42 - Northern (2J3KL) Cod Stock Science
  • G43 - Aquaculture – Open Net Pen Transition Plan
  • G44 - Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative
  • G45 - Atlantic Mackerel – Opening of Bait Fishery
• H – Annex – Additional information
  • H46 - Key Fisheries Management Decisions (Now to May 2024)
  • H47 - Fisheries Act Review
  • H48 - Annual report: administration of sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fisheries Act
  • H49 - Aquatic Invasive Species QP Note
  • H50 - Scientific Processes and Excellence at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (QP Note)

A  –  Opening Remarks

Good afternoon, Mr. Chair.

Thank you for inviting me to appear before this committee to discuss a number of important topics. Before doing so I want to recognize that we are gathering on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People.

Main Estimates

I want to begin by presenting the 2024-25 Main Estimates on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, I’m seeking $4.7 billion in planned spending. This is an increase of $573.8 million compared to last year. However, this figure is offset by $254.2 million in spending decreases in other areas.

Three key initiatives that will receive funding include:

• $506 million for projects related to the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, including new vessels
• $127.7 million related to the signing of new collective agreements for employees; and
• $52.7 million to continue our work under the Fisheries Act

If you have any questions related to my Department’s 2024-25 Main Estimates, I’m happy to answer them following my remarks.

Opening of Redfish & Mackerel Fisheries

Mr. Chair, this past January I authorized the re-opening of a commercial Redfish fishery in Unit 1 following a moratorium that lasted nearly three decades. The first phase of this re-opened commercial fishery will last for two years.

I want to take this opportunity to update you on the current status of this work.

DFO held a productive series of meetings with the Redfish Advisory Committee in Halifax, Nova Scotia from March 4th to the 7th. Participants included representatives from DFO, Indigenous groups, industry stakeholders, provincial governments, and environmental non-governmental organizations.

A number of important topics related to the sustainable management of the fishery were discussed during the meetings, in addition to key issues that will impact the next steps with respect to the sub-allocation of Redfish.

The feedback from Advisory Committee members is currently helping inform the decision on the Unit 1 Redfish management plan for the 2024 season. This decision will be communicated as soon as possible ahead of the opening of the Redfish season.

The current plan is to have the fishery ready to open by June 15, after the annual Redfish spawning closure.

More recently, I announced the opening of a 470 tonne Atlantic mackerel personal-use bait fishery, which will be released in two equal parts. This will give harvesters from different regions equitable access to Atlantic mackerel as the stock migrates through our waters. At the same time, I announced the continued closure of the Atlantic mackerel commercial fishery in Atlantic Canada and Quebec for the 2024 season. 

With these two decisions, I’m trying to equip harvesters with the bait that they need for other fisheries without jeopardizing the ongoing rebuilding of this stock, which is vitally important to both the ocean’s ecosystem and to the region’s economic prosperity.

Budget 2024: Small Craft Harbours

Mr. Chair, Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation included some much welcomed news for Canada’s fish, seafood and processing sector. Our government is setting aside more than $463 million over the next three years to repair and maintain our national inventory of small craft harbours.

This investment will be used for a variety of infrastructure projects such as repairs, maintenance, construction, electrical and dredging. It will also help small craft harbours rebuild from extensive damage associated with extreme weather events such as Hurricane Fiona.

Ultimately, this investment of almost half a billion dollars will improve the safety of all harbour users; support the commercial fish, seafood and processing sector; generate economic spinoffs for local workers and businesses; and help coastal, rural and Indigenous communities thrive. 

For communities where seasonal work is significant and Employment Insurance plays an important role, Budget 2024 addresses income gaps. An estimated $263.5 million will extend a program that provides five additional weeks of insurance to eligible seasonal workers in 13 economic regions across Atlantic Canada and Quebec. First introduced in 2018, this program is being extended until October 2026.

Economic Outlook

Mr. Chair, over seven million Canadians live in coastal communities across the country and hundreds of thousands of people work in various parts of our blue economy. This includes fishing, aquaculture, marine transportation, shipbuilding, energy, tourism, recreation and more.

In 2022, over 75,000 people worked in the fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors across Canada. That same year, direct GDP contribution from the combined seafood industry was $5.1 billion. However, when taking all economic spin-off effects into account, the seafood industry contributed $8.9 billion to Canada’s GDP.

Budget 2024 contains a number of investments that will help support our blue economy. In addition to the financial support set aside for small craft harbours, the federal budget includes funding that will be shared among key departments, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. For example:

• More than $1.6 billion to support Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, which will help keep people and communities safe from the impacts of climate change
• A $25.1 million investment over two years for the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program to help Indigenous communities safely harvest shellfish for food, social and ceremonial purposes, thereby helping to contribute to their food security; and
• $44 million over three years will be dedicated to programs that enable Indigenous communities to continue identifying common priorities and informed advice on the Line 3 and Trans Mountain Expansion Project pipelines

Conclusion

Mr. Chair, I value the input that members of this committee provide on ocean-related matters and I appreciate the time and effort you put into studying and debating the issues that matter to so many Canadians.

Thank you.

B – Placemat

Main Estimates

The Main Estimates are used to seek Parliamentary authority for the upcoming year’s planned spending.

For fiscal year 2024-25, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Main Estimates are presenting a total of $4.7 billion dollars in planned spending.

This amount represents an increase of $573.8 million compared to the 2023-24 Main Estimates.

The variance is attributed to changes to funding requirements for existing initiatives, such as the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet program; new funding for signed collective bargaining agreements; the sunsetting of funding such as recovery and resiliency efforts following Hurricane Fiona; and refocusing government spending.

Financial Issue Notes

Refocusing on Government Spending

Budget 2023 announced government spending reductions on travel and professional services, as well as a reduction of operating and transfer payment spending across all federal organizations to help achieve savings of $14.1 billion over five years.

As part of meeting this commitment, the Government approved the following spending reductions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG):

• 2024-25: $85,412,750
• 2025-26: $105,165,250
• 2026-27 and after: $135,370,800

The Department is committed to achieving these savings with limited impact on our services and employees, as well as ensuring that the reductions do not affect our Indigenous reconciliation activities and are not concentrated in the regions.

To achieve our overall savings target of $135.4 million, the Department will:

• reduce travel through effective planning and use of the hybrid work model
• realign internal resources and find administrative and management efficiencies across the Department; and
• reduce transfer payments and professional services in areas with little impact and without any expected decline in service standards

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Workforce Profile

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has received substantive incremental funding over the years to deliver on large scale and time-sensitive Government of Canada priorities and consequently, saw its workforce grow from 10,208 in March 2015 to 14,561 in March 2023, representing an increase of 42.6 per cent (or 4,353 employees). Included in this growth is an increase of 44.4 per cent of the Executive Cadre (from 198 to 286 executives) to provide the leadership required to deliver on new and/or expanded mandate commitments.

There are approximately 550 Conservation and Protection officers (fishery officers and supervisors).

Although the growth of the Department is slightly greater than that of the Federal Public Service [39.0 per cent growth within the Public Service and 42.6 per cent growth in DFO], the increase of DFO’s workforce and its Executive Cadre is proportionate to the level of new investment received, totaling a net increase of $2.466 billion of the Department’s reference levels between 2015 and today.

Support for Fish Harvesters

As our fisheries are facing a transition due to climate change and other factors, difficult decisions, such as reductions in quota and fishery closures, are required to protect the abundance of fish stocks under pressure.

Our Government is working hard to ensure that Canada’s fisheries remain sustainable and healthy, and we also recognize the importance of the fisheries to many coastal communities.

This is why we will continue to work with harvesters and provincial, municipal and community stakeholders to support the industry through this transition.

Atlantic Fisheries Fund

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and sustainability in Canada’s fish and seafood sector. That is why it is investing over $400 million through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, in partnership with the four Atlantic provincial governments.

Since 2017, 95 per cent of the Atlantic program funds have been contracted with over 1 237 approved projects valued at over 360 million.

Quebec Fisheries Fund

The Quebec Fisheries Fund is a contribution fund of over $40 million, over five years (2019 to 2024). The program is designed to support innovation and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector.

More than 60 per cent of the available contribution budget has been committed to 160 projects.

Interest in the Quebec Fisheries Fund program remains strong with more than 30 projects, seeking funding of over $6 million, under evaluation.

Procurement at DFO

What controls are in place to prevent a similar situation that happened with the ArriveCan application?

DFO has several controls in place to prevent a similar situation from arising such as:

• Continuous procurement training instructs employees to maintain accurate & complete file documentation, including interactions with suppliers
• At the beginning of each contract process, contracting officers work with business owners to ensure clear scope definition, tasks/solutions, and project deliveries to facilitate verification as per contract terms and conditions (FAA Section 34)
• Contracting Officers conduct second level reviews prior to solicitation to ensure transparency and clarity in requirement definition and facilitate fair treatment and impartiality of suppliers
• DFO does not allow suppliers to be involved in the requirement definition of a project they would be interested in bidding on
• As part of the evaluation process, bidders and/or resources qualifications are assessed against predetermined criteria

DFO stringently follows all security related requirements on government related contracts.

QP Note on Budget 2024

Budget 2024 made substantial investments of over $1.2 billion to grow our ocean economy, create well-paying local jobs in Canadian fisheries, and advance reconciliaition.

The Government invested over $463 million to support the fisheries industry through maintenance of small craft harbours

We are continuing to ensure commercial vessels and recreational boaters can safely navigate our waters and to be there to save lives and protect our environment when emergencies arise by investing over $397 million in the Canadian Coast Guard for the effective operation of its future marine vessel fleet.

We are investing over $33 million to promote prioritize rebuilding of fish stocks and restoring habitats.

The Government is supporting hard working fishers by allowing exemptions at a higher amount of capital gains from taxation for their fishing property, and extending EI for seasonal workers.

Finally, we are meeting our commitments to Indigenous peoples to advance reconciliation by providing funding to conclude agreements between Canada and First Nations in British Columbia.

Canadian Coast Guard

Fleet Renewal

It is critical that the Canadian Coast Guard has the ships it needs to deliver essential marine navigation, search and rescue, and other safety services.

Significant progress has been made:

• Since 2005, Canada has committed over $35 billion to advance the Canadian Coast Guard fleet renewal and sustain operations until new ships arrive 
• Since 2015, the Coast Guard has taken delivery of three large vessels and 18 small vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, 23 helicopters and four Interim Icebreakers

Wrecked, Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels

The Government of Canada is reducing the number of hazardous vessels in Canadian waters to minimize their impact on coastal communities, the environment and the public.

Budget 2023 announced the creation of an owner-financed Vessel Remediation Fund. This fund is expected to be operational by 2027 and provide sustainable funding to address and remove hazardous vessels.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program has grants and contributions funding of $2.17 million over nine years as part of the renewed Oceans Protection Plan starting in 2022.

Maritimes Search and Rescue

The Canadian Coast Guard is the federal lead for maritime search and rescue in Canada, and marine safety is our highest priority.

The Canadian Coast Guard serves the maritime community in Canada 24/7, along 243,000 kilometers of coastline; the longest coastline in the world. Every year, the Canadian Coast Guard responds to more than 6,000 calls for maritime assistance. On a typical day, the Canadian Coast Guard coordinates 18 search and rescue incidents, assists 47 people and saves 13 lives.

Thanks to the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard is continuing to increase maritime search and rescue capacity.

DFO Issue Notes

CESD Report – Marine Fisheries Catch

My Department is committed to responsibly managing Canada’s fisheries to promote healthy fish stocks and ecosystem productivity.

We are accelerating work on implementing the Fishery Monitoring Policy, modernizing fisheries information management systems, reviewing the third-party observer programs, and developing a roles and responsibilities framework for third-party monitoring programs.

Many actions are already underway to address the recommendations in the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s 2023 report, and others will be rolled out over the next five years to ensure my Department sustainably manages the harvesting of commercial marine fisheries for future generations.

North Atlantic Right Whale

I thank the Committee for their report and their thoughtful recommendations regarding the protection of right whales.

The Government continues to take concrete steps to ensure right whales are protected from fishing gear entanglements, including using adaptive fishing closure protocols, and to reduce vessel strikes.

Budget 2023 provided $151.9 million over three years to continue Canada’s efforts to protect endangered whales, including North Atlantic right whales.

Small Craft Harbours

Small craft harbours are one of my top priorities and are critical infrastructure for many coastal communities, supporting their economic prosperity.

That’s why our government announced $463.3 million over three years starting in 2024-25, for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona.

Since 2016, our government has announced over $1.3 billion in new funding to support small craft harbours, where 90 per cent of landings by Canadian commercial fish harvesters are brought to shore.

This means harbour infrastructure, such as wharves and breakwaters, will be built using the latest climate-adapted standards and codes, increasing the overall resiliency of our harbours.

We take the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans very seriously.

The committee’s letter to the former DFO Minister, related to climate change and to the impacts of post-tropical storm Fiona, was far reaching, touching upon many areas within my department.

We are working diligently on finalizing our response to the committee, which I look forward to sending to my esteemed colleagues soon.

Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

The Department conducts high quality science, in collaboration with partners, to inform decision-making for the benefit of Canadians.

Departmental scientists work with a range of partners and external experts in collecting data and conducting research to address important issues, like sustainable fisheries and the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.

The Department is committed to communicating the results of our research to Canadians to ensure that they are well informed about issues concerning the oceans.

Climate Change

Climate change is a critical issue for Canada’s oceans and freshwater resources; it poses serious risks to our aquatic ecosystems and fisheries that support economic activity in coastal communities.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists are conducting research into the climate vulnerability of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems and are monitoring and modelling changing ocean conditions to project and respond to climate-related changes.

The Department will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners to better understand the climate vulnerability of fish stocks and international partners to better understand the climate vulnerability of fish stocks and assist fisheries decision-makers and fish harvesters to adapt to climate-related changes.

The CCG is already seeing an increased demand for on-water incident response due to stronger and more frequent storms, shifting ice conditions, pressure on physical assets like buoys, and more demand for marine traffic services as vessels attempt to navigate through difficult conditions.

The CCG is implementing adaptation and mitigation actions to ensure ongoing delivery of critical services in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Permitting Process to Support Clean Growth

Under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, the Department provides advice, and regulates works, undertakings, and activities occurring near water that could impact fish and fish habitat and aquatic species at risk.

In keeping with the Government’s commitment to grow the clean economy and meet net-zero commitments, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is improving the predictability and transparency of its regulatory framework to support the development of clean growth projects.

Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) Fisheries

My Department issues food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fishing licences to Indigenous communities to implement the communal right to fish for food, social, and ceremonial purposes.

Food, social, and ceremonial fishing varies by community throughout the year, and is not always aligned with commercial seasons or areas.

Indigenous Moderate Livelihood Fishing

Our government is committed to advancing reconciliation, and renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

Through an array of collaborative arrangements and nation-to-nation agreements, my Department works with Treaty Nations to uphold treaty rights and protect fishery resources for the benefit of all.

DFO programs have enabled benefits to communities of over $170 million in annual landings and over $100 million in secondary economic benefits.

Our goal is to have fisheries that are peaceful, productive, and prosperous, that uphold the Marshall decisions, and ensure that Treaty Nations are able to exercise their rights in a way that is reflective of their visions and needs.

Reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat and marine waterways are of great social, cultural, spiritual and economic importance for Indigenous Peoples Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard plays an important role to advance federal reconciliation efforts.

Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)

DFO recognizes the importance of Indigenous-led conservation, including marine IPCAs, and is committed to working with Indigenous partners to advance shared conservation goals. 

Our preferred approach is to work with partners from an early stage as they develop their vision, exploring how conserved sites may be dually to reflect our shared commitment to protect the area.

DFO is committed to open dialogue and consultation with all parties and stakeholders when contemplating new conservation initiatives, including new marine IPCA partnership opportunities.

This ensures an inclusive approach is taken to the identification and consideration of all relevant interests and perspectives.

Although IPCAs are Indigenous-led, the declaration of an IPCA does not change DFO’s authority and role as the regulator of fisheries.

Internal Measures to Tackle Systemic Racism and in Support of Reconciliation

My Department is sustaining its efforts to move away from a relationship based on colonialism to one that recognizes and respects Indigenous rights and interests. More work remains to be done to address the systemic racism faced by Indigenous Peoples.

That said, my Department has taken a number of measures toward reconciliation and to combat systemic racism.

We are implementing deliberate strategies to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples at Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is promoting learning and awareness activities surrounding reconciliation.

Since 2015, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) onboarded over 280 fishery officer cadets who completed their initial training. Once they are deployed into their detachments, Indigenous awareness training continues with a regional focus.

We will continue our implementation of cultural change across the organization’s operations.

Transformation of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

The Department is currently assessing the expressions of interest received from parties with an interest in future ownership and governance of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation.

A formal bid solicitation process is expected to follow later in the year.

We recognize the critical role the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation plays in Canada’s freshwater fisheries and are committed to ensuring its long-term success and further advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous partners.

If pressed:

Regarding funding to help interested parties put together bids, we are aware that some parties are seeking support to prepare their bids. The expression of interest process and further engagement will help us to determine the extent of those requests and what support is possible.

Marine Conservation

Canada currently conserves 14.66 per cent of its ocean to support strong and vibrant coastal communities for future generations.

The Government of Canada has committed more than $1 billion to manage existing protected and conserved areas and to conserve 25 per cent of Canada’s ocean by 2025. Canada has also committed internationally and domestically to conserve 30 per cent by 2030. A further $800 million has been committed to support Indigenous-led conservation within Canada.

These historic investments will support the establishment and management of conservation areas through partnership and shared work with communities.

Task Group on Traceability and Labelling of Fish and Seafood Products

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) 2022 report on “Traceability and Labelling of Fish and Seafood Products” recommended that “the Government of Canada establish an interdepartmental task force led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and involving key agencies, supply chain participants and other stakeholders to develop a coordinated response to fish and seafood product mislabelling and to implement full boat-to-plate traceability for all fish and seafood products harvested, farmed or sold in Canada. This task force should also consider the creation of an oversight entity to enforce the effective implementation of the Canadian traceability and labelling system and to measure progress outcomes.”

The Government supported this recommendation and committed to creating an interdepartmental forum, led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), to make progress on mislabeling and boat-to-plate traceability.

Current status

DFO is chairing an interdepartmental task group which also includes Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Agriculture and Agrifood Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.

The group will advance long- and short-term actions to address mislabeling and traceability issues to support an orderly and well managed fishery and prevent overfishing. As part of this work, the group will reflect on feedback received from the Boat to Plate consultations, the recommendations made in the FOPO report and advice from subject matter experts.

Next Steps

The task group meets regularly and on an ongoing basis.

Fisheries Catch Data Collection – Electronic Logbooks

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is transitioning to digital tools to improve client services and to help inform timely fisheries management decision making.

The electronic logbook (ELOG) initiative enables fish harvesters to submit real-time catch data to the Department using DFO approved third-party applications.

This is not only critical for fisheries management decision-making, but also to respond to emerging challenges, such as adaptability due to climate change.

While some regions are further ahead than others, all have implementation plans in place to onboard more harvesters; including expansion of voluntarily use in 2024 in certain fisheries with a particular focus on the most lucrative fisheries, such as lobster and crab.

Ghost Gear

Ghost gear is a source of plastic pollution that has a devastating impact on our commercial species and marine ecosystems.

Since the establishment the Ghost Gear Program in 2019, Canada has become a leader in addressing ghost gear. We are one of the first countries in to have mandatory reporting of lost fishing gear through an app-based Fishing Gear Reporting System.

The Ghost Gear Fund has supported 144 projects totaling over $58 million, and the recent Zero Plastic Waste initiative audit identified the Ghost Gear Fund as successfully reducing marine plastic litter in Canadian waters. 

We will continue working with harvesters and experts to reduce ghost gear in the coming years, including through the development of a Ghost Gear Action Plan by 2027, which will modernize fisheries operations and regulations.

Genetic interactions on the east coast

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) uses the best available science to sustainably manage fisheries and aquaculture in collaboration with provinces and Indigenous communities.

On March 21, 2024, DFO published a peer reviewed Science Advisory Report on the risks of interbreeding between escaped farmed and wild Atlantic salmon on Canada’s East Coast.

Findings showed varying risk levels across the wild salmon populations examined, with increased risk for small and/or declining populations and those closer to aquaculture operations.

Foreign Owernership

The findings of the Beneficial Ownership Survey found that 2 per cent of survey respondents had some degree of foreign ownership within their corporate structure.

DFO has begun to engage key stakeholders on the results of the Survey. Future engagements are planned to reach a broader range of stakeholders, to identify additional means of examining foreign control, such as access leasing and concentration.

The Department is aware of the concerns expressed by the Committee in their recent report on foreign ownership and corporate concentration. A Government Response was tabled in the House of Commons on April 11, 2024.

Regional Notes

Elvers Fishery

The elver fishery in the Maritime Region has experienced a pattern of increasing and serious challenges, including conservation and safety concerns, leading to closures of the fishery during the season.

Since the closure in 2023, the Department is working with First Nations, commercial industry, and other stakeholders to chart a path forward. While progress has been made, there is still more work to do.

My Department continues to work on the changes necessary to provide a sustainable and orderly elver fishery for all harvesters. Until these measures are fully in place, I have decided not to issue licences in 2024 and, as such, to not open the elver fishery. 

Ongoing work related to regulating the possession and export of elver, changing how the fishery is managed, and addressing the distribution of access to Indigenous harvesters are key to promoting compliance in this fishery. These changes will also support deterrence and prosecution for non-compliance in the courts.

If pressed on elver arrests in Shelburne area March 26, 2024?

On March 26 a situation occurred in Shelburne County NS involving the arrest and release of two Mi’kmaw individuals. I am deeply troubled by allegations raised.

My colleague, the Parliamentary Secretary, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, and I met with Mi’kmaq leaders on April 5.

We must work together to undertake a thorough review, which includes Indigenous voices, to shed light on this matter.

Shrimp and Redfish Fishery

The sharp decline in the abundance of northern shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence is a cause for concern for the future of this commercial fishery.

The total allowable catach (TAC) for the four shrimp stocks is 3,060 tonnes.

The fishery opened as agreed on April 1, 2024. The first weeks of fishing confirmed the very low abundance of shrimp. Catch rates are very low and only a few vessels are in operation.

On January 26, 2024, I announced the re-opening of the commercial Redfish fishery in Unit 1 after a nearly 30 year moratorium, with a 10 per cent allocation going to Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp harvesters, to provide a new fishing and income opportunity to these harvesters.

Lobster Fishery

In 2023, the Department authorized an opening date for LFA 26A-1 on April 26 based on a consensus reached by fish harvesters from the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) and Gulf Nova Scotia (GNS) to avoid handling lobster during molting and spawning in late June.

Subsequently, the PEIFA submitted a proposal on behalf of their members in LFA 26A-1 to revert back to an April 30 opening day starting in 2024. The main concerns raised was financial loss incurred by some due to low catches early in the season and the need for more time for ice to dissipate and get ready for the season.

All associations and Indigenous groups that fish lobster in LFA 26A-1, were consulted on PEIFA’s proposal; only two were in support of the proposal. The key reason the majority did not support is for conservation reasons because lobster are more vulnerable in July.

After careful consideration, the department did not approve PEIFA’s proposal, opting for the status quo for the 2024 fishing season with an opening date of April 26, similar to the 2023 season, to allow more time to collect additional data as well as provide more flexibility should the season be delayed due to adverse weather. 

Capelin Fishery

Fisheries and Oceans Canada recognizes the significance of capelin to coastal communities while also recognizing the species as an important forage fish.

Taking this into consideration, the Department is working to finalize the 2024 management approach for capelin in areas off of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tidal Energy

The Department is working with industry, federal, and provincial partners to advance the responsible development of marine renewable energy, including tidal energy.

This is why the Government established a Task Force on Sustainable Tidal Energy to explore issues and opportunities associated with the deployment of tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy.

The Task Force published a final report on February 28, 2024, which describes a number initiatives that can help advance the tidal energy sector, including a 15-year conditional Fisheries Act authorization.

This Task Force is facilitating greater collaboration between the federal government, the Province of Nova Scotia and members of the tidal industry.

Avon River Tidal Gate/Highway 101 Twinning

Since 2019, the Department has been working with the province of Nova Scotia on their Fisheries Act application to twin Highway 101, which includes replacing the existing tidal gate structure on the Avon River.

In January, the Department received information from the province on the project design to support regulatory requirements. The Department will continue the project review, and consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia

Striped Bass

The striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence has demonstrated a rebound since historic lows in the 1990s.

We have taken a responsive and incremental approach to increase First Nations access and recreational fishery opportunities for striped bass in the last number of years.

The recreational fishery for striped bass in the Gulf of St. Lawrence has the highest retention (possession of four striped bass per day) in eastern North America.

In 2017 the abundance of striped bass peaked and then suffered significant mortality.  In the past 6 years, the population has not returned to those levels.

Striped bass abundance continues to fluctuate and the population is still in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.

Establishment of the Arctic Region

In October 2018, the Government of Canada announced the creation of stand-alone Arctic Regions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Extensive engagement with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis governments and organizations occurred to ensure that the region’s boundaries, programs, and services delivered reflect the needs and priorities of the communities.

This regional structure supports Canada and the Department's commitments to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples; cooperation with domestic and international partners; innovation with a northern focus; and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Through dedicated and ongoing planning capacity, the Department is delivering critical programs and services that are reflective of and responsive to the unique needs of Northern communities. Decision-making and policy implementation is undertaken by the North, for the North, and in the North.

As of April 2, 2024, leadership for all DFO and CCG programs in the Arctic Region rests with the DFO Arctic and CCG Arctic Regions.

Treaty Negotiations on the West Coast

The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous groups to explore new, flexible ways of working together to recognize Indigenous rights and self-determination using a variety of measures including negotiating reconciliation agreements and modern treaties as guided by the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for treaty negotiations in British Columbia (which is signed by Canada, BC and First Nations Summit).

In BC, there are 8 concluded modern treaties containing fisheries chapters, and three concluded reconciliation agreements that contain fisheries provisions, including the Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (2021), Tsilhqot’in Nation Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement (2019), and the Heiltsuk Hailcistut Increment House Post Agreement (2019). There is also the Burrard Inlet Environmental Science and Stewardship Agreement (2021), in partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, as well as several Oceans and Fisheries Reconciliation Framework Agreements (RFAs) involving nations in the North and Central Coast. Efforts are underway to meaningfully implement these agreements.

DFO continues to be actively involved in multiple treaty and reconciliation negotiations and working towards concluding negotiations in the coming year. The Department is working with Indigenous Peoples at approximately 40 discussion/negotiation tables (Treaty/RIRSD Agreement/Fisheries Reconciliation Agreement negotiations) across British Columbia to explore new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination.

DFO is prioritizing closing negotiations on over 12 treaties and reconciliation agreements over the next few years by resolving key fish issues, including negotiations at Kitselas and Kitsumkalum, K’ómoks, Te’mexw Treaty Association tables, Lake Babine Nation and Gitanyow.

The opportunity to conclude negotiations at British Columbia treaty tables and securing comprehensive treaties through the British Columbia Treaty Process in the next few years would be a significant achievement and support better relationships between the Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada.

Northern (2J3Kl) Cod Stock Science

In March 2024, DFO held a peer review for Northern Cod to assess stock status. The meeting was attended by scientists and resource managers from DFO, academia, province of Newfoundland and Labrador representatives, industry and indigenous groups, and Non-governmental Organizations. Meeting conclusions were agreed upon by consensus during the stock assessment peer-review.

Results indicated the Northern Cod stock is out of the Critical Zone with the 2024 spawning stock biomass considered to be in the Cautious Zone. However, the stock has not shown growth since 2016, and short-term forecasts indicate growth is not expected over the next three years.

DFO has a robust science program on Northern cod which is supported by collaboration with the industry in some cases. Examples of science activities conducted include the fall multi species survey, sentinel surveys (industry), aging activities, and research on interactions between cod and capelin as well as between cod and seals.

The DFO survey was completed earlier than usual in the fall of 2023, as there were three CCG vessels working to complete surveys and also the comparative fishing program (the survey is typically completed using two vessels). Survey timing was discussed during the stock assessment, and it was agreed 2023 survey data was representative of stock size. Following the stock assessment, there has been some criticism of the survey timing and its impact on assessment results. While the early survey may slightly increase the uncertainty of the stock assessment, it is not likely to have considerable impact on 2024 stock size estimates.

Aquaculture – Open Net Pen Transition Plan

My Department continues to work with the Province of British Columbia and First Nations on developing a responsible plan to transition from open-net pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.

The vision of the Transition Plan as outlined in the Discussion Framework released in 2022 is to advance innovation and growth in sustainable aquaculture in British Columbia to progressively minimize or eliminate interactions between farmed and wild salmon, while also taking into account social, cultural, and economic objectives.

The transition is being undertaken in a manner that protects wild salmon, respects the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples, and supports coastal communities and workers.

I am committed to the development of a responsible, realistic and achievable Transition Plan.

Opening of Mackerel Bait Fishing

The Atlantic mackerel bait fishery is intended to help licence holders supply their other fisheries with bait without jeopardizing the ongoing rebuilding of this stock.

The management plan for the 2024 Atlantic mackerel personal-use bait fishery is now being developed with the goal to implement an approach that provides harvesters with viable opportunities across multiple regions.

Management measures for the bait fishery and the opening date of the fishery will be communicated as soon as possible through a Notice to Fishers.

Judicial Review FNC

I have received the Federal Court’s decision of the Minister’s 2021 decision to approve the transfer of commercial fishing licences in waters adjacent to Nunavut.

The licences transferred were from Clearwater Seafoods to First Nation Coalition Quota Limited Partnership, which is owned by a coalition of Mi’kmaq First Nations.

The judicial review was launched by the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative

Pacific salmon populations are in serious decline due to climate change impacts, pollutants, changes in land and water use, and illegal harvesting.

To meet these challenges, the Government has invested $686 million over five years to implement decisive steps under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.

Targeted actions to date include the launch of the Pacific Salmon Commercial Licence Retirement Program and extension to the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

Opening of Mackerel Bait Fishing

The Atlantic mackerel bait fishery is intended to help licence holders supply their other fisheries with bait without jeopardizing the ongoing rebuilding of this stock.

The management plan for the 2024 Atlantic mackerel personal-use bait fishery is now being developed with the goal to implement an approach that provides harvesters with viable opportunities across multiple regions.

Management measures for the bait fishery and the opening date of the fishery will be communicated as soon as possible through a Notice to Fishers.

Judicial Review FNC

I have received the Federal Court’s decision of the Minister’s 2021 decision to approve the transfer of commercial fishing licences in waters adjacent to Nunavut.

The licences transferred were from Clearwater Seafoods to First Nation Coalition Quota Limited Partnership, which is owned by a coalition of Mi’kmaq First Nations.

The judicial review was launched by the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Annex – Additional information

Fisheries Act Review

The Fisheries Act is one of Canada's oldest pieces of federal legislation dating back to the Confederation. It received Royal Assent in 1868 and became an essential legislative tool in the government's ability to sustainably manage fisheries and protect the habitat that supports them.

Over the years, the Act has been amended in order to keep up with modern realities, including the most recent amendments from 2019. The new provisions and the stronger protections of the modernized Act aim to better support the sustainability of Canada’s marine resources for future generations.

With the help of our many partners and stakeholders, the Department is continuing to implement the changes brought forward through the 2019 modernized Act. These changes have contributed to guiding my responsibility as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

I know that the committee has adopted a motion to conduct a review of the Fisheries Act and I look forward to these outcomes, including the insights and experiences from Indigenous communities and organizations, stakeholders, and provinces and territories.

This examination of the Act will inform directions on how we can continue to advance efforts to protect and sustain Canada's fisheries, maintain vibrant coastal communities, continue to advance reconciliation, and promote the long-term health of our aquatic ecosystems.

Annual report: administration of sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fisheries Act

Pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Fisheries Act, the Minister shall, as soon as feasible after the end of each fiscal year, prepare and cause to be laid before each house of Parliament a report on the administration of sections 4.1 and 4.2 in that fiscal year.

Therefore, as soon as feasible after the end of 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Department will table an annual report on the administration of sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fisheries Act, including the five Rights Reconciliation Agreements concluded this fiscal year with First Nations in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

In addition, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will send letters to the Clerk of the House of Commons and the interim Clerk of the Senate to present, in both official languages, the 2023-24 Annual Report: Administration of Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fisheries Act.

Aquatic Invasive Species QP Note

Our government understands the importance of protecting Canadian waters and is focused on coordinating efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, and preventing negative impacts to Canada’s biodiversity, economy, and society is a priority for this Government.

My department works with provinces, territories, Parks Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency to enforce the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, including a focus on preventing prohibited species from entering Canada.

Scientific Processes and Excellence at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (QP Note)

DFO does not comment on matters related to personnel, however we take any instance where allegations of misconduct are received seriously. This includes our full cooperation when requests are received from the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada.

If pressed on recent allegations

As a science-based department, scientific integrity is at the very foundation of the work of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and its employees. It guides our science processes, shapes how we work with others and how we generate science advice to best inform decision making for the benefit of Canadians.

My Department continues to take concrete steps to ensure transparent, impartial, and evidence-based peer review and scientific advice.

C – Main Estimates 2024-2025

C1 - Briefing Deck

Introduction

• Main Estimates list the Government’s financial spending plan for each government organization for the coming fiscal year and are used to seek Parliamentary authority for spending.
• DFO’s 2024-25 Main Estimates include all items for which the Department has received previous approval and reflect full implementation of all previous Budget decisions, or changes to funding profiles for multi-year initiatives, where relevant.  This includes DFO reductions associated with the Refocusing Government Spending initiative.
• Tabling of the Main Estimates occurred February 29. Parliament voted on Interim Supply March 22nd, providing DFO with 3/12ths of voted authorities for all Votes to cover first quarter obligations.
• The remaining voted authorities will be granted once Royal Assent on Full Supply is granted in June.

2024-25 Main Estimates

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Main Estimates are approved at the vote level.

Allotment information for the 2023-24 Main Estimates / Estimates to Date and the 2024-25 Main Estimates are presented for information only.

Key Changes Between 2023-24 and 2024-25 Main Estimates

Fisheries and Oceans’ 2024-25 Main Estimates total $4,685.2 million, which is $573.8 million more than the 2023-24 Main Estimates ($4,111.4 million).

Table: Key Changes Between 2023-24 and 2024-25 Main Estimates

Key increases included in the 2024-25 Main Estimates ($828.0 million)

Planned funding profile change for Canadian Coast Guard's fleet projects - $506.0 million

Planned funding profile change for signed collective bargaining agreements - $127.7 million

Planned funding profile change to modernize the Fisheries Act - $52.7 million

Planned funding profile change for species at risk - $27.5 million

Planned funding profile change for federal contaminated sites - $21.2 million

Planned funding profile change to protect and promote the health of Canada’s priority at-risk whale populations - $17.9 million

New funding for Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy - $17.6 million

Various other initiatives - $57.4 million

Key decreases included in the 2024-25 Main Estimates ($254.2 million)

Sunsetting funding for the Small Craft Harbour Program and the Ghost Gear Fund for recovery efforts at harbours affected by Hurricane Fiona - $89.8 million

Refocusing government spending - $83.5 million

Planned funding profile change to strengthen environmental protections and address concerns raised by Indigenous groups regarding the trans mountain expansion project - $26.0 million

EBP adjustment by TBS to reflect projected expenditures - $25.7 million

Planned funding profile change for the Fish Funds - $23.4 million

Various other initiatives - $5.8 million

Note: All increases/decreases exclude accommodations and SSC costs.

Next Steps

• Final page proofs for Main Estimates were received on February 9, 2024.
  • CFO signoff, including attestation that the Deputy Minister and Minister will be briefed was sent on February 16th.
• Main Estimates were tabled by the President of the Treasury Board on February 29th.  
  • Royal Assent for Interim Supply was received March 22 and Full Supply should receive Royal Assent in June. The latter will occur according to the House of Commons’ Order of Business.

Annex A: 2024-25 Main Estimates by Core Responsibility

Annex B: 2024-25 Main Estimates by Standard Object

The standard object breakdown, excluding personnel and transfer payments, is calculated using historical spending.

Personnel includes Vote 1 ($1,325.0 million), Vote 5 Personnel ($57.0 million) and Statutory ($190.8 million for EBP and the Minister’s salary and car allowance).

* The Refocusing Government Spending exercise has identified reductions to external consultation and contractual work as well as discretionary program spending that can be eliminated. Professional and special services appear significant however, they are primarily related to Engineering and Architectural Services, which are used to support investments in Fleet Renewal and Infrastructure investments. These are mostly non-discretionary and are required to deliver assets that meet mandated policy objectives.

Annex C: 2024-25 Main Estimates Transfer Payment Programs

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Annex D: Refocusing Government Spending

In Budget 2023, the government committed to reducing spending by $14.1 billion over the next five years, starting in 2023–24, and by $4.1 billion annually after that.

As part of meeting this commitment, the Department is planning the following spending reductions.

DFO will achieve these reductions by doing the following:

• Reducing travel and professional services through effective planning and use of the hybrid work model
• Leveraging efficiencies in internal management and enabling functions including use of virtual technology, digital transformation, rationalizing real property, and vehicle fleet management activities

C2 - Main Estimates Issue Note

• The Main Estimates are used to seek Parliamentary authority for the upcoming year’s planned spending.
• For fiscal year 2024-25, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Main Estimates are presenting a total of $4.7 billion dollars in planned spending.
• This amount represents an increase of $573.8 million compared to the 2023-24 Main Estimates.
• The variance is attributed to changes to funding requirements for existing initiatives, such as the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet program; new funding for signed collective bargaining agreements; the sunsetting of funding such as recovery and resiliency efforts following Hurricane Fiona; and refocusing government spending.

Background

• The Main Estimates list the resources required by individual departments and agencies for the upcoming fiscal year in order to deliver the programs for which they are responsible.
• These Main Estimates were tabled on February 29th 2024,  with the Interim Supply bill receiving Royal Assent on March 22nd . The remaining voted authorities will be received once Full Supply is granted in June.
• These Main Estimates present a total increase of $573.8 million which is mainly attributed to:
  • $506.0 million for Canadian Coast Guard's fleet program; and
  • $127.7 million for signed collective bargaining agreements
• Offset by:
  • ($83.5 million) refocusing government spending; and
  • ($89.8 million) sunsetting funding for recovery and resiliency efforts following Hurricane Fiona

Additional context for the largest items:

• $506.0 million for Canadian Coast Guard's fleet program
  • The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has a mandate to deliver eight missions: icebreaking, search and rescue, environmental response, ocean science, commercial shipping channel maintenance, aids to navigation, marine communications and traffic services, and support to on-water missions of other Government departments.
  • Some examples of fleet projects are Multi-purpose vessels; Icebreakers; Offshore fisheries science vessels; Offshore oceanographic science vessel; and Vessel life extensions/mid-life modernizations.
• $127.7 million for signed collective bargaining agreements
  • Funding was received for the CS, CT, EB, EC, EL, EX, PA, HM, SV, RO, TC and SP groups.
• ($83.5 million) refocusing government spending
  • The government is committed to finding savings in operating and transfer payment programs, and across professional services and travel spending, so they can be re-invested in priority areas for Canadians, including health care and a clean economy.
• ($89.8 million) sunsetting funding for recovery and resiliency efforts following Hurricane Fiona
  • Funding was used for clean-up, damage assessments, dredging, minor repairs, and minor capital projects to address the impacts that were confirmed at affected harbours.
  • [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]The long-term result being the reduction of fisheries related marine litter, more specifically ghost gear, from the marine environment in parts of Atlantic Canada affected by Hurricane Fiona.

C3 - Summary Table Main Estimates

Key Increases

Key Decreases

New Funding

Transfers

Reprofiles

* Forms the $506 million year-over-year variance for Fleet.

D – Financial Issue Notes

D4 - Refocusing on Government Spending

• Budget 2023 announced government spending reductions on travel and professional services, as well as a reduction of operating and transfer payment spending across all federal organizations to help achieve savings of $14.1 billion over five years.
• As part of meeting this commitment, the Government approved the following spending reductions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG):
  • 2024-25: $85,412,750
  • 2025-26: $105,165,250
  • 2026-27 and after: $135,370,800
  • These amounts include reductions to the Department’s Reference Levels as well as to funding in the Fiscal Framework
• The Department is committed to achieving these savings with limited impact on our services and employees, as well as ensuring that the reductions do not affect our Indigenous reconciliation activities and are not concentrated in the regions.
• To achieve our overall savings target of $135.4 million, the Department will:
  • reduce travel through effective planning and use of the hybrid work model
  • realign internal resources and find administrative and management efficiencies across the Department; and
  • reduce transfer payments and professional services in areas with little impact and without any expected decline in service standards

Question 1: How will the Department achieve their targeted reductions without affecting services to Canadians?

• The Department is committed to responsibly managing Canadians’ tax dollars by ensuring that operations and programs are effective, efficient and directed toward priorities.
• The Department identified a range of proposals in order to meet the targeted reduction, while ensuring limited impacts on services to Canadians and continuing to advance Government priorities.

Question 2: How will the Department avoid affecting employees?

• Reductions related to professional services and travel will have no impact on jobs.
• Those related to operating expenditures will be phased in over three years and are not expected to result in job loss outside of normal attrition or redeployment of employees to higher priority activities.
• Furthermore, the Department will focus on using existing talent pools to capitalize on existing talent to fill vacancies and prioritize equity hiring, where staffing requirements exist, to align with diversity and inclusion practices.

Question 3: What are the impacts of the reductions on programs?

• There are several internal efficiencies to be realized across all of DFO/CCG that will see savings across all programs of the department.  However, these initiatives will not have an impact on program delivery. These internal efficiency reductions are related to consolidating grants & contributions systems, streamlining the number of administrative and management processes throughout the organization, and through efforts to reduce annual travel expenditures.

Question 4: What are the impacts of the reductions on Fisheries Science, Enforcement, and Small Craft Harbours?

• There are no direct funding reductions to Fisheries Science Enforcement and Small Craft Harbour programs, however reductions in other initiatives may indirectly impact these areas given the interdependencies of the Department’s programs.

Question 5: What is the “stop the clock” measure and why has it been implemented at DFO?

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada has decided to exercise its authority to suspend the calculation of the cumulative period for term conversion to indeterminate, also known as “stop the clock”. This measure became effective starting February 26, 2024, until further notice.
• This action seeks to control the pace of staffing while minimizing impacts on our workforce and operations, as it allows the Department the flexibility to renew and extend term contracts where funding is available, without increasing the number of indeterminate employees.
• The Department commits to reviewing the implementation of this measure annually.

Question 6: What will be the impact of implementing “stop the clock” on employees?

• This measure, which applies to all new and existing term employees of the Department, will not prevent the extension of term contracts, nor will it have any effect on their pay and benefits.
• 2065 term employees (1,317 DFO/748 CCG) are affected and communications have been sent to notify them of the implementation of the stop the clock measure.
• Unions of all affected employees have been apprised of the change, and the Department commits to maintaining ongoing communications with them.

Background

• Budget 2023 included a commitment to bring the growth of government spending back to a pre-pandemic path.
• As such, overall government spending reductions on travel and professional services, as well as a three per cent reduction of operating and transfer payment spending across all federal organizations was announced.
• Total reductions will help achieve savings of $14.1 billion over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28) and $4.1 billion annually thereafter.
• Savings from underutilized government spending will be shifted to priorities like health care and the clean economy. This is about smarter, not smaller, government.
• The savings targets were established by the Treasury Board Secretariat and are based on DFO’s operating and transfer payments, and planned expenditures for professional services, minus exclusions for out-of-scope items (e.g., direct transfers to provinces or direct payments to individuals). 
• In addition to DFO, 80 departments, agencies, and crown corporations were asked to achieve cost savings targets. Agents of Parliament and small organizations are excluded from this review.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s breakdown of these reductions are as follows:

• Breakdown of these reductions by Reference Levels and Fiscal Framework amounts:

• Further, the 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced that the government will extend and expand its Budget 2023 efforts to refocus government spending, with departments and agencies generating additional savings of $345.6 million in 2025-26, and $691 million ongoing. Combined with the $14.1 billion in refocused spending outlined in Budget 2023, the government will be saving $4.8 billion per year in 2026-27 and ongoing and returning the public service closer to its pre-pandemic growth track.
• The “Stop the clock” provision suspends the calculation of accumulated time for the conversion of term employment to indeterminate. Their determinate employment contracts will continue until the stated end date. Once the suspension of the roll-over provision ends, any continuous term time that an employee had already accumulated with the Department prior to February 26, 2024, will count towards the cumulative working period and their status will be converted to indeterminate once their total cumulative working period reaches three years, less any periods that receive a sunset designation or leave without pay greater than 60 days as per the Directive on Term Employment. Our term workforce represents 12.7 per cent of our total term and indeterminate workforce.

D5 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada Workforce Profile

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has received substantive incremental funding over the years to deliver on large scale and time-sensitive Government of Canada priorities and consequently, saw its workforce grow from 10,208 in March 2015 to 14,561 in March 2023, representing an increase of 42.6 per cent (or 4,353 employees). Included in this growth is an increase of 44.4 per cent of the Executive Cadre (from 198 to 286 executives) to provide the leadership required to deliver on new and/or expanded mandate commitments.
• There are approximately 550 Conservation and Protection officers (fishery officers and supervisors).
• Although the growth of the Department is slightly greater than that of the Federal Public Service [39.0 per cent growth within the Public Service and 42.6 per cent growth in DFO], the increase of DFO’s workforce and its Executive Cadre is proportionate to the level of new investment received, totaling a net increase of $2.466 billion of the Department’s reference levels between 2015 and today.

Question 1: How does Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s growth compare to the rest of the public service?

• As of March 2023, the Federal Public Service had grown by 39.0 per cent since 2015, while Fisheries and Oceans Canada had grown by 42.6 per cent during the same period.
• Although the Department’s growth was slightly more substantial than that of the Federal Public Service as a whole, it is proportionate to the Government of Canada’s increased investments in science, climate action, reconciliation, and many others priorities, including the creation of a specific Arctic Region, which represented $2.466 billon in new investments.
• Other science-based departments have also seen an increase in their workforce: 27.5 per cent at Environment and Climate Change Canada; 27.8 per cent at Natural Resources Canada; 22.3 per cent at National Research Council Canada.
• The creation of the Arctic Region in 2018-19 and its full implementation in 2021-22 is in response to government-wide commitments to advance reconciliation, partnerships and collaboration with Inuit, First Nation and Métis Nation organizations and governments, provinces and territories and other partners, while so enhancing Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. While the Department did grow from the creation of this Region, representing a total of 92 new employees, we hired from within local Inuit communities to integrate Indigenous knowledge and expertise in the implementation of our programs.

Background

• Since 2014-15, DFO has received substantive new investments to deliver on large-scale Government of Canada commitments including investments in science, climate action and reconciliation, and to support various programs and initiatives, such as the modernized Fisheries Act and Oceans Act, Canada’s blue economy, theOceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet Renewal, and the creation of the Arctic Region, which itself represents an increase of 92 northern employees since its implementation in 2020-21.
• The most significant growth was in programs such as the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, Oceans Protection Plan, Fleet Renewal (vessels, helicopters, icebreakers), and Indigenous reconciliation.
• After a number of years of cost-cutting exercises, the Department was required to increase its workforce in order to deliver on the Government’s priorities and commitments. To this end, between March 2015 and March 2023, the Department has grown by 42.6 per cent (or 4,353 employees) including an increase of 44.4 per cent (or 88 employees) within the Executive Cadre. Though increase may seem high, it is proportionate with the level of new investment and given the operational nature and dispersion of work locations of the Department.
• Within the same timeframe, the Public Service had grown by 39.0 per cent and its Executive Cadre increased by 43.0 per cent.
• There are approximately 550 Conservation and Protection officers (fishery officers and supervisors).
• DFO’s Scientist community (Biologists, Researchers, Physicists) increased from 1,088 to 2,004, representing a growth of 84.2 per cent.
• The representation of Indigenous employees increased from 308 to 670, which is an increase of 117.5 per cent. These employees now represent 4.9 per cent of DFO’s workforce, which is 0.5 per cent over the Canadian workforce availability.

D6 - Support for Fish Harvesters

• As our fisheries are facing a transition due to climate change and other factors, difficult decisions, such as reductions in quota and fishery closures, are required to protect the abundance of fish stocks under pressure.
• Our Government is working hard to ensure that Canada’s fisheries remain sustainable and healthy, and we also recognize the importance of the fisheries to many coastal communities.
• This is why we will continue to work with harvesters and provincial, municipal and community stakeholders to support the industry through this transition.

Question 1: Why is there no support provided for the recent TAC reduction in EGSL shrimp fishery?

• The Minister recognizes that many harvesters are affected by this TAC reduction.
• The Minister recently announced that 10 per cent of a minimum of 25,000 t TAC of the redfish fishery would be going to shrimpers. In addition, we are providing flexibilities such as licence partnership arrangements that could be implemented to minimize costs for the fleet.
• The intention to extend the Quebec and Atlantic Fisheries Funds until 2026 was to provide priority to innovative projects related to the redfish fishery. This extension will provide our fish harvesters with the tools and financial means they need to transition to this new fishery.
• For Quebec harvesters, further provincial support is available through the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation (MAPAQ) which provides loan repayment relief for fishing businesses and acquisition of fishing equipment.

Background

• The department has no legal obligation or mandate to provide economic relief or assistance associated with quota cuts or fisheries closures. Fishing licences and quota do not confer property rights or create a right to compensation and DFO has no framework to provide financial support to impacted harvesters.
• Many harvesters and plant workers will not meet the thresholds to qualify for Employment Insurance.
• Harvesters have access to retraining supports such as through the Atlantic Fishery Fund and Quebec Fishery Fund for equipment/gear to transition to a different fishery.
• In the past, the federal government has  put in place ad hoc adjustment initiatives for significant or high dependency stocks, including voluntary licence retirement programs that seek to assist stakeholders who have suffered significant losses due to catastrophic environmental events or structural economic declines.There is no policy framework in place to determine when and how such a program should be implemented.
• The Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) shrimp fishery is facing operational challenges associated with notable dependence on shrimp and shifting/declining stocks largely due to changing ecosystem conditions. Given stock status, climate change-related ecosystem conditions, this is unlikely to improve in the short to medium term.
• In 2022, EGSL enterprises were at their lowest level of income in thirteen years, and operating costs related to fuel prices and wage increases were at their highest. 98 licence holders and about 220 crew members will be affected. Combined with high operating costs it is reportedly difficult for EGSL shrimpers to remain financially viable. About 57 per cent of active EGSL shrimpers derive at least 75 per cent of their fishing revenues from shrimp.
• Total allowable catch (TAC) has reduced significantly since 2010; 79 per cent reduction for 2024/25 was announced January 26, 2024. Catch rates are down 50 per cent compared to 2022.
• In the EGSL shrimp fishery, some examples of licence adjustments already employed by DFO include:
• Licence partnerships/”Buddy Up” (allowing two licence holders to fish from same vessel to reduce operating costs)
• 100 per cent temporary quota transfers for some fleets in some areas
• DFO recently committed to set aside 10 per cent of the TAC in Unit 1 redfish for EGSL Shrimpers

D7 - Atlantic Fisheries Fund

• The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and sustainability in Canada’s fish and seafood sector. That is why it is investing over $400 million through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, in partnership with the four Atlantic provincial governments.
• Since 2017, 95 per cent of the Atlantic program funds have been contracted with over 1,237 approved projects valued at over 360 million.

Question 1: Why have there been delays in extending the program?

• The Department and Atlantic provinces have recently finalized a reprofile of funds, to extend the time that projects have to be fully implemented and reimbursed to March 31, 2026.
• To build on this, the Department sought and received an extension of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund until March 31, 2026. This will allow new projects to be received, evaluated and potentially supported for two additional years.
• The Atlantic Fisheries Fund has implemented strategies to ensure that sufficient funds remain to continue investing in innovative redfish-related projects, as opportunities arise.
• To-date, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) has already supported 23 projects where redfish was either a primary or important component of the project’s focus with a total AFF assistance of nearly $20.6 million.
• Interest in the Atlantic Fisheries Fund program remains strong, with 101 projects (seeking funding of almost $46.3 million) currently under evaluation or pending approval.

Background

• The Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) is a fund of over $400 million over seven years (2017-18 to 2023-24) cost shared with provincial partners, 70/30 (federal/provincial) over the life of the program. The Atlantic component of the AFF was launched on August 31, 2017, and was recently extended until March 31, 2026.  The national marketing pillar, the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSOF) was launched December 5, 2018, and sunsets March 31, 2024.
• To date, 95 per cent of the total available federal/provincial contribution budget for the $379.8 million ($265.86 million of which is federal) of the Atlantic component of AFF has been committed on over 1237 approved projects.
• There are currently 101 applications in-house seeking funding of almost $46.3 million. AFF is well positioned to commit its remaining budget. As such, the Atlantic provincial partners are eager to discuss program renewal, with similar objectives, to allow for investments in the sector to continue with as little gap between programs as possible.
• A two-year reprofile has been operationalized through the extension of the AFF Framework Agreement until March 31, 2026. As this process did not permit for the contracting of new projects beyond the original sunset date of March 31, 2024, the Department sought full program extension which was recently approved.
• The CFSOF, the fourth national marketing pillar of AFF, which currently has its own set of Framework Agreements with ten signatory provinces and territories, sunsetted on March 31, 2024. Provincial and territorial partners and its recipients are aware of  are not expecting it to be extended.
• The AFF focuses on supporting innovation in the fish and seafood sector throughout Atlantic Canada by investing in projects that help the sector to better meet growing demands for sustainably- and legally-sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products. Its ultimate objective is that “sustainable economic growth will be realized in the fish and seafood sector” through innovative investments under its three strategic Atlantic Pillars: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Science Partnerships. Eligible applicants include Indigenous groups, commercial enterprises (including fish harvesters, aquaculturalists, and seafood processors), universities and academics, industry associations and other non-profits, and other organizations such as research institutions and provincial crown corporations. Other eligibility criteria includes residence in a participating province; being active in or supporting activities related to the fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture industries; and, being able to demonstrate that maximum economic benefits will accrue to the Atlantic Region. All proposed projects are also assessed for whether they will trigger a Duty to Consult or Impact Assessment (previously known as an environmental assessment) to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.
• To date, the majority of approvals (89 per cent of total projects and 73 per cent of investment dollars) have fallen under the Infrastructure Pillar. The technology adoption and adaptation investments under the Infrastructure pillar have been pivotal in promoting the benefits of innovation and automation in the fish and seafood sector. The sector has been traditionally hesitant to invest in innovation as it was perceived as too financially risky but the AFF, through these investments has started to shift that perspective by reducing the barriers to innovate and allowing the benefits of innovation to be realized by recipients.

D8 - Quebec Fisheries Fund

• The Quebec Fisheries Fund is a contribution fund of over $40 million, over five years (2019 to 2024). The program is designed to support innovation and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector.
• More than 60 per cent of the available contribution budget has been committed to 160 projects.
• Interest in the Quebec Fisheries Fund program remains strong with more than 30 projects, seeking funding of over $6 million, under evaluation.

Question 1: Will the program’s end date be amended?

• Yes, the Department and the Government of Quebec has ratified the amendment to the Quebec Fisheries Fund Framework Agreement in order to extend the program’s end date for a period of two years, i.e. until March 31, 2026.
• The additional period of two years will allow new projects to be received, evaluated and approved beyond March 31, 2024, with priority given to innovative redfish related projects.

Background

• The Quebec Fisheries Fund is designed to support the fisheries and aquaculture sector, spark innovation and support the development and sustainable growth of the industry. The two levels of government have committed $40 million, including $27 million from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. To date, 160 projects have been approved under this program, for a total of $24.1 million.
• The extension will allow the continuity of the program by two years (2024–25 and 2025–26) to support the development of a healthy and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industry to meet the growing demand for high-quality seafood from sustainable sources.
• A federal priority will be given to innovative projects related to the redfish fishery. This extension will provide fish harvesters with the tools and financial means they need to transit to this new fishery.

The cost is shared with the province, divided 70 percent federal and 30 percent provincial, over the duration of the program.

D9 - Procurement at DFO

Question 1: What controls are in place to prevent a similar situation that happened with the ArriveCan application?

• DFO has several controls in place to prevent a similar situation from arising such as:
• Continuous procurement training instructs employees to maintain accurate & complete file documentation, including interactions with suppliers
• At the beginning of each contract process, contracting officers work with business owners to ensure clear scope definition, tasks/solutions, and project deliveries to facilitate verification as per contract terms and conditions (FAA Section 34)
• Contracting Officers conduct second level reviews prior to solicitation to ensure transparency and clarity in requirement definition and facilitate fair treatment and impartiality of suppliers
• DFO does not allow suppliers to be involved in the requirement definition of a project they would be interested in bidding on
• As part of the evaluation process, bidders and/or resources qualifications are assessed against predetermined criteria
• DFO stringently follows all security related requirements on government related contracts

Question 2: What has been spent on these contracts?

• The Department has had limited contracting with Dalian Enterprises and Coradix Technology Consulting, and GC Strategies.
• Between January 1, 2011, and March 4, 2024, a total of 48 contracts with a combined contract value of $4,193,067.09 were awarded to these three suppliers.
• Dalian Enterprises received 35 contracts, the latest awarded in 2017-18, totalling an overall contract value of $1.3 million. Contracts awarded were related to hardware, IT support and maintenance;
• Coradix Technology Consulting were awarded eight (8) contracts, the latest awarded in 2014-15 with a total contract value of $2.2 Million. Contracts awarded were related to GoC web renewal; and
• GC Strategies were awarded five (5) contracts at a total contract value of $659,468 with the last contract being awarded in 2017-18.  Contracts were related to PeopleSoft, Phoenix, and a strategic and engagement plan on marine navigation systems.
• DFO issues over 19,000 contracts annually for a total of over $900M in contracts.

Question 3: How we do know if we have employees that are moonlighting?

• Contractors are evaluated based on their corporate experience during the bidding process.  The contractor’s employees that are assigned to accomplish the work will have their resumes reviewed.  If it is determined or suspected that the contractoring employee is a public servant, it would be raised to the contractor and additional information sought to determine if a conflict of interest exists.
• Should a conflict of interest be confirmed, the contractor would be required to provide a replacement resource or the contract would be terminated for default in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract (sub-clauses: Conflict of interest and Values and Ethics Codes for the Public Service, and Code of Conduct for Procurement).
• An employee MUST report a conflict of interest:
• if their second employment is with another Government Department
• if any part of their external activity may be in conflict with DFO’s/GoC mandate
• An employee SHOULD report a conflict of interest:
• if their external activity is NOT linked at all to DFO’s/GoC mandate
• In addition, all situations of dual employment should be declared by employees
• Under the current HR legislative framework, certain types of dual employment (moonlighting) in another public service job are permitted such as:
• dual employment (on leave without pay while working in another position); or
• dual remuneration (being paid for two different roles at same time)

Background

• DFO issues over 19,000 contracts annually for a total of over $900M in contracts. Of these, approximately 18,000 contracts are managed within the department’s delegation of authority and approximately 1,000 are issued by PSPC and SSC.
• DFO current procurement delegation is as follows:

• All contracts above DFO’s contracting authority are awarded by PSPC. PSPC issues the most complex procurements.
• The Department was not involved with the ArriveCAN App.
• The ArriveCAN Audit identified multiple issues related to procurement including evidence of weak financial records and controls, missing documentation for non-competitive contracts, ineffective controls in the contracting process and limited opportunities for competition among professional services vendors.
• New Professional Service contract measures were communicated internally by the CFO to the department and at all levels of management that deal with contracting.
• Recent external audits including from the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO), have flagged common weaknesses in the implementation of the procurement process.
• ArriveCAN Report – OAG 2024  
• Procurement Practice Review of ArriveCAN-related contracts – OPO 2024
• Federal Contracts Awarded to McKinsey & Company – TBS and PSPC 2023
• Procurement Practice Review of DFO – OPO 2020 (DFO committed to addressing these recommendations in 2020). 
• Per the Follow Up Report to the 2019-20 Procurement Practice Review (PPR) by OPO issued in August, 2023, DFO was provided the opportunity to provide evidence against the six (6) recommendations contained in the initial findings and OPO issued DFO an overall rating of “Satisfactory”.
• Satisfactory is the highest rating possible in instances where recommendations were provided as part of an initial PPR and analysis has shown that DFO has implemented measures to meet the intent of each of these recommendations.
• The Department is to further develop measure to build upon OPOs recommendations (i.e. continued Business Owner awareness regarding file documentation)
• Several Parliamentary Questions, Access to Information, and Office of the Comptroller General requests have been received and answered over the course of the year.
• In consideration of the Audit Report findings, DFO is well positioned to avoid the occurrence of a similar situation.
• Recent communication was sent to all business owners to advise them of PSPC’s changes related to professional services.
• DFO non-compliance unit verifies about 100 contracts per year and will begin preparing an annual report (May 2024) on non-compliance issues with recommendations and action items to improve contracting processes.
• The new non-compliance measure are being implemented to ensure compliance is understood and achieved by following corrective actions. Failure to comply can result in the loss of contract-issuing privileges.

D10 – QP Note on Budget 2024

• Budget 2024 made substantial investments of over $1.2 billion to grow our ocean economy, create well-paying local jobs in Canadian fisheries, and advance reconciliaition.
• The Government invested over $463 million to support the fisheries industry through maintenance of small craft harbours
• We are continuing to ensure commercial vessels and recreational boaters can safely navigate our waters and to be there to save lives and protect our environment when emergencies arise by investing over $397 million in the Canadian Coast Guard for the effective operation of its future marine vessel fleet.
• We are investing over $33 million to promote prioritize rebuilding of fish stocks and restoring habitats.
• The Government is supporting hard working fishers by allowing exemptions at a higher amount of capital gains from taxation for their fishing property, and extending EI for seasonal workers.
• Finally, we are meeting our commitments to Indigenous peoples to advance reconciliation by providing funding to conclude agreements between Canada and First Nations in British Columbia.

Background

Small Craft Harbours

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $463.3 million over three years to repair and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona.
• This investment will support local economic development for generations to come, particularly benefitting Canadians working in the fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, construction, and marine engineering sectors.

Fleet Renewal

• Budget 2024 proposed funding proposed $397M over five years for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure the Canadian Coast Guard has the necessary training capacity, seagoing crew, support staff, and provisions to operate its future marine vessel fleet.

Fish Stock Rebuilding

• Budget 2024 proposes $33 million over five years for DFO to support fish stock assessments and rebuild depleted fish stocks, in support of Fisheries Act requirements.

E – Canadian Coast Guard

E11 - Fleet Renewal

• It is critical that the Canadian Coast Guard has the ships it needs to deliver essential marine navigation, search and rescue, and other safety services.
• Significant progress has been made:
  • Since 2005, Canada has committed over $35 billion to advance the Canadian Coast Guard fleet renewal and sustain operations until new ships arrive 
  • Since 2015, the Coast Guard has taken delivery of three large vessels and 18 small vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, 23 helicopters and four Interim Icebreakers

Question 1: How will the Canadian Coast Guard continue to maintain services?

• The Canadian Coast Guard has a comprehensive package of measures to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical services until new ships arrive. This includes:
  • Updating our ships to extend their operational lives for as long as possible
  • Purchasing four commercial icebreakers and one additional light-lift helicopter to provide interim capacity; and
  • Putting in place “spot charters” to respond to temporary surges in requests for services
• With these measures, Canadians and industry can be confident in a seamless transition to the Canadian Coast Guard’s new fleet. 

Question 2: Why are we still seeing increases in project budgets?

• Our shipbuilding projects are costing more than originally forecasted.
• Many of the assumptions used in our previous estimates are no longer valid due to various factors that could not have been foreseen at the time. This includes the lasting impact of the pandemic on global labour availability and supply chains, as well as high inflation.
• The Department is working with the shipyards and Public Services and Procurement Canada to improve the management of project schedules and contain costs in order to deliver value for Canadians.

Background

• Renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleet is underway. Funded replacement plans are currently in place for the large vessel fleet, including:
  • Three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, which were delivered in 2019 and 2020 by Vancouver Shipyards
  • One Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV)
  • Two Polar Icebreakers
  • Up to 16 Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV)
  • Two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) (CCG variants); and
  • Up to six Program Icebreakers (PIB)
• At Vancouver Shipyards, construction of the OOSV is advancing well, with the consolidation of all ship blocks completed in mid-November, 2023. The official vessel launch is expected to occur in summer 2024. The construction engineering and long-lead items contracts were awarded for the MPV on February 9, 2024 and announced on March 26, 2024; work under those contracts has commenced. On February 8, 2024, work was successfully completed on the Polar Icebreaker prototype block, marking an important step towards increasing Canada’s presence in the Arctic to support Northern Canadians and assert our sovereignty.
• Chantier Davie was formally announced as the third National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) large shipyard, with the signing of an Umbrella Agreement on April 4, 2023. The Ancillary Contract for the Program Icebreakers was awarded to Chantier Davie on March 25, 2024 and announced on March 26, 2024; work on the project can now commence at the shipyard.
• At Irving Shipbuilding, work is ongoing on CCG’s two AOPS, with construction having begun on August 8, 2023.
• The CCG is also renewing its small fleet. On May 25, 2023, Canada announced an investment valued at $2.5 billion to fund the completion of the renewal of the CCG’s small vessels fleet for up to 61 vessels. To date, 30 small vessels have been delivered to the CCG. This includes a total of 18 vessels delivered under the NSS (16 Search and Rescue lifeboats (the most recent CCGS Baie des Chaleurs was accepted by Canada on October 30, 2023), and two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels), as well as nine Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels and three Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessels pre-dating the NSS.
• The CCG completed the renewal of its helicopter fleet with delivery of 15 new light-lift helicopters and seven new medium-lift helicopters. Budget 2023 allocated funding to replace one of the CCG’s light-lift helicopters that was lost following a crash in September 2022.
• The CCG continues to implement interim measures to ensure continued delivery of critical services until new ships are delivered. This includes a comprehensive Vessel Life Extension program to maintain current fleet operations as new ships are being built, as well as the acquisition of three interim Medium Icebreakers, one interim Light Icebreaker and one interim light-lift helicopter.

Annex - Procurement of New Vessels

Large Vessels:

Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV)

Current Total Estimated Cost (TEC): $1.28 billion (taxes excluded)

• Construction on the OOSV began in March 2021 at Vancouver Shipyards (VSY).
• Construction is progressing well against current schedule
• Launch expected summer 2024 and the ship is expected to be delivered in early 2025.

Program Icebreakers (PIB)

Current TEC: N/A – no TEC has been released publicly

• In April 2023, Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI) entered into an Umbrella Agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard to become the third large shipyard under the NSS.
• The Ancillary Contract for the six PIB was signed March 25, 2024.
• Project timelines to be determined shortly once work progresses at the shipyard.

Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS)

Current TEC: $2.1 billion (taxes excluded)

• Construction began on the first Coast Guard AOPS variant (AOPS 7) in August 2023 at Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
• Design changes have been implemented to tailor the Royal Canadian Navy’s design to Coast Guard requirements.
• Shipyard has estimated delivery of AOPS 7 in late 2026. CCG’s second ship(AOPS 8) is due to be delivered in late 2027.

Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV)

Current TEC: $14.2 billion (taxes excluded)

• The Construction Engineering and Long-Lead Items contracts for the first six vessels were signed on February 9, 2024 and work under those contract is underway at VSY.
• MPVs will be built following the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ships and a Polar Icebreaker for the Coast Guard.
• The first six MPV are expected to be delivered in the 2030s.

Polar Icebreakers

Current TEC: $1.3 billion for one ship (Budget is currently under review.  2021 Parliamentary Budget Officer report estimates $7.25 billion for two ships)

• Two Polar Icebreakers will be added to the Coast Guard fleet with one built at VSY and one at CDCI.
• The construction engineering and long-lead items contracts were awarded in December 2022
• Full rate production is anticipated to begin in 2025. VSY completed work on a prototype block for the Polar Icebreaker in early 2024, which will inform full-rate Polar construction.
• Delivery of the VSY Polar is planned for late 2030. 
• Timelines for the CDCI Polar Icebreaker will be determined once negotiations have occurred and work has commenced at that shipyard.

Small Vessels

Search and Rescue (SAR) Lifeboats

Current TEC: $176.4 million (including taxes) for 20 vessels

• Contracts awarded in July 2015 to Chantier Naval Forillon (Quebec) and Hike Metal Products (Ontario) for 10 Lifeboats from each shipyard.
• 16 SAR Lifeboats have since been delivered. Most recently with the deliveries of CCGS Barrington Bay on October 2, 2023 and CCGS Baie des Chaleurs on October 30, 2023.
• Two more to be delivered in each of 2024 and 2025, with all 20 Lifeboats to be delivered by 2025.

Near Shore Fishery Research Vessel (NSFRV)

Current TEC: $55.5 million (taxes excluded) – contract award amount

• The NSFRV is expected to replace the current oldest ship in the class, CCGS Neocaligus, which was built in 1989.
• The build contract award was announced on October 20, 2023 to Chantier Naval Forillon in Quebec.
• This ship will be the first Canadian Coast Guard diesel-electric hybrid propulsion vessel with a battery energy storage system.
• Delivery is currently planned for 2026.

Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV)

Current TEC: $5.0 million – contract award amount

• Four new ACV are part of the small vessel recapitalization program announced in summer 2023.
• A contract was awarded to Griffon Hoverwork (United Kingdom) on January 31, 2024 to update the current ACV design and investigate alternative propulsion systems for the four replacement hovercraft.
• No suitable enterprise was found in Canada that could design these vessels.
• The last hovercraft acquired by CCG was purchased from Griffon Hoverwork and delivered in 2013.

Mid-Shore Multi-Mission (MSMM) Vessels

Current TEC: N/A – no TEC has been released publicly

• In 2019, the Prime Minister announced funding for a new class of smaller ships, the MSMM, which will complement the work of CCG’s large fleet in shallow areas and deliver mid-shore science activities.
• Canada issued a Request for Information in late 2023 for contract design and 16 responses were received. These will inform the future Request for Proposal (RFP).
• In 2024-25, Canada expects to issue the design RFP, award the design contract, and launch the Invitation to Qualify process for construction.
• Initial deliveries expected by early 2030s. Project timelines will be determined once a shipyard is selected and contracts are awarded.

E12 - Wrecked, Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels

• The Government of Canada is reducing the number of hazardous vessels in Canadian waters to minimize their impact on coastal communities, the environment and the public.
• Budget 2023 announced the creation of an owner-financed Vessel Remediation Fund. This fund is expected to be operational by 2027 and provide sustainable funding to address and remove hazardous vessels.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program has grants and contributions funding as part of the renewed Oceans Protection Plan starting in 2022.

Question 1: How many vessels have been removed by the Government of Canada?

• Since 2016, under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada has funded the removal and disposal of over 580 wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels across Canada and has made it illegal to abandon a boat in Canada’s waters. [584 in total – the Canadian Coast Guard (165), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (172), Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program (70), Transport Canada’s Abandoned Boats Program (177)].
• The Canadian Coast Guard focuses on vessels that pose the greatest potential hazards to public health and safety, and the environment. As such, the organization conducts risk assessments of each hazardous vessel to prioritize remediation actions on those high-risk vessels.
• The Canadian Coast Guard maintains a publicly available national inventory of wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels.

Question 2: How many hazardous vessels have been identified?

• Over 2,100 vessels have been reported to the Canadian Coast Guard to date. Approximately 1,500 vessels remain in the national public inventory following the removal of over 580 vessels.

Question 3: How does the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada work together to address wrecked, abandoned or hazardous vessels?

• All vessels of concern reported to the Canadian Coast Guard are assessed under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act to determine if they present a hazard. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, the Canadian Coast Guard ensures measures are taken to repair, remedy, minimize or prevent pollution damage from vessels.
• Transport Canada administers the provisions of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act that pertain to irresponsible vessel management, including vessels that become derelict or abandoned.
• Public Services and Procurement Canada, Transport Canada, and the Canadian Coast Guard are also working together to develop Indigenous-focused procurement opportunities to support the remediation and/or removal of problem vessels in Canadian waters.

Question 4: Who pays for the Canadian Coast Guard to respond to pollution or hazards caused by hazardous and polluting vessels?

• In line with the “polluter pay principle”, owners are responsible for the costs of addressing their problem vessel. This includes cleanup or repairs, and any remediation action taken by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard will not hesitate to use all the legislative tools at its disposal if an owner fails to comply, including the imposition of a fine.

Background

• The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA) became law in 2019 and it: strengthens owner responsibility and liability for vessels; makes it illegal to abandon a boat; and gives the federal government more powers to take action against problem vessels before they can pose even greater problems at greater costs.
• The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will work with the vessel owner to ensure the hazard is addressed. If the owner cannot be found or fails to comply, the Government of Canada can take direct and immediate action to prevent, mitigate or eliminate the risks that hazardous vessels pose.
• The CCG is focusing on assessing the risks associated with each of the reported vessels to prioritize actions to remediate high-risk vessels. The risk factors for problem vessels can include environmental, public safety, socio-cultural and economic risks. The focus is not on removing all problem vessels; it is on mitigating the risk posed by each one.
• As part of the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) Renewal launched in 2022, the CCG and Transport Canada are advancing the next phase of the comprehensive strategy to address wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels by implementing long-term measures that include: coastal surveys to identify additional hazardous vessels; outreach to vessel owners on their WAHVA responsibilities; risk and technical assessments for vessels in the National Inventory; and, remediations of hazardous vessels nationally.
• As part of Budget 2023, the Government of Canada announced the creation of an owner-financed Vessel Remediation Fund. It is anticipated that the coming-into-force of the regulatory charge to finance the Vessel Remediation Fund (hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) will be in 2027, following external engagement to establish the regulatory charge and the timely issuance of an order by the Governor in Council to enable the Vessel Remediation Fund into force
• The Fund will also support the CCG and Transport Canada in assessing and/or addressing vessels in cases where owners are unknown, the owners are known but cannot be located, or the owners do not deal to deal with their vessels themselves.
• In July 2023, the Canadian Coast Guard announced the launch of its new Compliance and Enforcement program. The goal of the program is to increase accountability for vessel owners whose actions create maritime hazards or pollution. The priority will be to work collaboratively with vessel owners to ensure they address their problem vessel, but the Canadian Coast Guard will not hesitate to use all the legislative tools at its disposal if the owner does not comply, including imposing a fine. 

E13 - Maritime Search and Rescue

• The Canadian Coast Guard is the federal lead for maritime search and rescue in Canada, and marine safety is our highest priority.
• The Canadian Coast Guard serves the maritime community in Canada 24/7, along 243,000 kilometers of coastline; the longest coastline in the world. Every year, the Canadian Coast Guard responds to more than 6,000 calls for maritime assistance. On a typical day, the Canadian Coast Guard coordinates 18 search and rescue incidents, assists 47 people and saves 13 lives.
• Thanks to the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard is continuing to increase maritime search and rescue capacity.

Question 1: What steps have been taken to address the recommendations from the report When every Minute Counts – Maritime Search and Rescue?

• Several improvements have been made through investments in the Oceans Protection Plan and its renewal, including enhancing training and equipment access for Arctic and Indigenous communities and a 30 percent increase to the core operating budgets of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliaries, as well as the acquisition of 20 new search and rescue bay class vessels.

Question 2: How is the Canadian Coast Guard addressing Safety at Sea?

• Safety at sea related to fish harvesters is a shared responsibility between Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada.
• Together, government, industry leaders and safety advocates continue to work to influence, reinforce, and sustain a strong safety culture in the Canadian fishing industry.

Question 3: What is the Canadian Coast Guard doing to respond to requests for increased SAR capacity in Northern Labrador?

• Through the renewal of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan and our continued support to expand the Auxiliary presence in remote locations, we have funded six communities in Labrador to purchase vessels and equipment required to join the Auxiliary.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is providing critical search and rescue and marine safety training to communities to assist them in building capacity in remote areas such as Northern Labrador.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is also working with other Government departments to develop a pilot project to provide search and rescue equipment kits to communities in Labrador to prevent  incidents or improve search and rescue incident outcomes through increased preparedness.

Background

• In 2018 the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (the Committee) tabled a report entitled When Every Minute Counts – Maritime Search and Rescue (the report). The report contains 17 recommendations. Overall, their assessment suggested that the delivery of maritime search and rescue (SAR) in Canada has been very effective to date. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)-led government response to the report was tabled with the Clerk on May 3, 2019. On August 3, 2023, the Committee Chair contacted the Minister requesting an update on progress made on the recommendations and information related to improvements made to the maritime search and rescue program. The response was shared with the Committee on November 15, 2023.
• As part of the government response to the report, in 2021, a joint action plan on Safety at Sea was developed by Transport Canada and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The action plan sets out a series of recommended next steps including increased oversight, the development of a steering committee, and greater engagement with stakeholders. Commercial Fishing Safety remains on the Transportation Safety Board watchlist where they note that more progress is needed, and actions have been inconsistent.
• Under the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), the CCG is implementing its Risk-based Analysis of Maritime SAR Delivery (RAMSARD) project which conducts cyclical reviews of Canada’s 40 SAR areas to identify, evaluate and document maritime risks to inform program improvements. The CCG also opened its first SAR station in Rankin Inlet, NU, in 2018 and through OPP Renewal, enhanced the newly rebranded Arctic Marine Response Station to increase local hiring, procure an Arctic SAR response vessel and extend the station’s operating season to better align with the local boating season. The CCG also opened six new search and rescue in British Columbia (Victoria, Hartely Bay, and Tahsis) and Newfoundland and Labrador (Old Perlican, St. Anthony and Twilingate) since 2018, as well as procured 20 new bay class lifeboats (16 have been delivered with the remaining expected by the end of 2024).
• OPP Renewal focused on building community-based marine emergency response capacity and funded the continuation of the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer program, which provides funds to Indigenous communities to purchase a boat and/or equipment required to participate in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA). To date, this program has provided more than $15 million in funding to 49 communities, supporting a significant increase in CCGA units, many within remote locations. As of February 2024, there were CCGA units in 40 Arctic communities operated by more than 494 volunteers with access to 71 vessels.

F – DFO Issue Notes

F14 - CESD Audit Marine Fisheries Catch

• My Department is committed to responsibly managing Canada’s fisheries to promote healthy fish stocks and ecosystem productivity.
• We are accelerating work on implementing the Fishery Monitoring Policy, modernizing fisheries information management systems, reviewing the third-party observer programs, and developing a roles and responsibilities framework for third-party monitoring programs.
• Many actions are already underway to address the recommendations in the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s 2023 report, and others will be rolled out over the next five years to ensure my Department sustainably manages the harvesting of commercial marine fisheries for future generations.

Question 1: Why hasn’t the Department been able to implement the Fishery Monitoring Policy?

• Our government has invested $30.9 million over 5 years beginning in 2023, with $5.1 million ongoing, to implement the Fishery Monitoring Policy. This is the first time the policy has received dedicated funding.
• My Department is committed to accelerating the implementation of the policy and is now recruiting the necessary staff to ensure fisheries are producing dependable, timely, and accessible catch information that can be used to inform management action.
• To maximize the available funding, DFO has prioritized a set of stocks, for example, stocks that are high profile, tied to objectives or measures identified in rebuilding plans, known keystones in the ecosystem, etc.

Question 2: How is the Department ensuring its fisheries information systems are modernized in a timely manner?

• My Department is working on developing an accelerated delivery plan for the Canadian Fisheries Information System to speed up the availability of key data collection and information management capabilities for fisheries monitoring.
• Modernized IT capabilities that support catch monitoring decisions, such as the expansion of Electronic Logbook coverage, will be delivered incrementally and completed by 2027.

Question 3: What is the Department doing to review its third-party observer programs and the ability of the programs to deliver catch monitoring information as required? 

• My Department will continue the review of the third-party monitoring program, which includes the At-Sea Observer and Dockside Monitoring programs.
• This review will attempt to identify any regulatory or program delivery model gaps that prevent the Department and third party monitoring companies from collaboratively achieving the efficient and effective monitoring of fish stocks.
• Specific steps taken during the review will include, formally aligning the At-Sea Observer and Dockside Monitoring program policies, strengthening the conflict of interest management protocols, and the establishment of an internal working group.
• In addition to the review, my Department will explore the feasibility of a nationally consistent approach to integration and submission of electronic data by third-party monitoring companies. This will increase access to and confidence in data used to make fisheries management decisions. 

Background

• The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) Performance Audit “Monitoring of Marine Fisheries Catch” focuses on whether Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) obtained dependable and timely fisheries catch monitoring information and whether the Department used that information in support of its decisions to sustainably manage the harvesting of commercial marine fisheries.
• Overall, the report found that DFO remained unable to collect dependable and timely data and provided four recommendations to DFO. These recommendations include streamlining the implementation of the Fishery Monitoring Policy, expediting the implementation of an integrated national fisheries information system, completing the review of third-party observer programs, and developing and implementing a nationally consistent procedure for systematically tracking whether third-party observers deliver fisheries catch monitoring information as required in terms of coverage, timeliness, and data quality.
• DFO agrees with the recommendations of the Performance Audit and continues to make improvements to the management of our fisheries based on the best available scientific evidence.

F15 - North Atlantic Right Whale

• I thank the Committee for their report and their thoughtful recommendations regarding the protection of right whales.
• The Government continues to take concrete steps to ensure right whales are protected from fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes.
• Budget 2023 provided $151.9 million over three years to continue Canada’s efforts to protect endangered whales, including North Atlantic right whales.

Question 1: How is the Department addressing economic impacts on harvesters?

• Our measures are challenging for industry, but we are on the right track, thanks to harvesters’ cooperation in protecting this species.
• The Department works with and listens to Indigenous partners, the fishing industry and other stakeholders to ensure management measures allow for prosperous fisheries.
• Canada’s robust, adaptive right whale protection measures are key to the sustainability of Canada’s seafood exports. 

Question 2: What advances are being made to address entanglement risks while allowing fishing?

• The Department is working with harvesters to support transition to whalesafe fishing gear, including using ropeless fishing gear. to eliminate the risk of entanglement.
• The Department will continue to adapt fisheries measures to protect whales, informed by harvester input and the best available science.
• The Department is currently preparing a five-year Whalesafe Gear Strategy, that will be based on engagement and feedback from the fishing industry, Indigenous groups, and other experts.

Background

• In April 2023, the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans published a report on the Protection and Coexistence of North Atlantic Right Whales, providing a series of recommendations related to right whale management, science and protection.
• In September 2023, the Government responded to this report, thanking the Committee for their recommendations. The response reiterated the importance of a continued precautionary approach to protecting right whales, to support the species’ recovery under the Species at Risk Act and to ensure continued access for Canadian seafood products to the American market under the import provisions of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act.
• In 2023, three North Atlantic Right Whales were disentangled by marine mammal response experts in the United States that were confirmed to be carrying Canadian fishing gear.
• In 2023, there were no reported NARW mortalities in Canada, but two new entanglements were observed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in July 2023.
• On October 23, 2023, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium released the most recent population estimate of 356 whales, which indicates a slowing in decline. The 2021 estimate of 340 whales was revised to 365.
• In December 2023, DFO announced that lower breaking strength (LBS) gear adoption would be supported on a voluntary basis only in 2024, in select commercial fisheries where trials indicate the gear may be used safely and effectively.
• DFO will launch targeted engagement on a five-year Whalesafe Gear Strategy in 2024, to guide future work to implement whalesafe gear in Canadian fisheries, both LBS and on-demand gear, based on the specific conditions of each fishery and informed by gear trial results.
• The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) continues to apply adaptive measures to prevent fishing gear entanglements, such as: changes to the open and closure dates of fisheries; dynamic and seasonal closure protocols, special closure provisions for waters shallower than 20 fathoms; focused surveillance using acoustic underwater technology (hydrophones), aircraft and vessels to confirm the presence of whales; continued ghost gear retrieval; and collaborating with Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard to address the potential threats from vessel strikes.
• Measures for the 2024 season will be announced in late winter, prior to opening of the area 12 Snow crab fishery.
• As of April 18, 2024, 19 new NARW calves have been observed during the 2023-24 calving season in US waters. Of these, one died after a vessel collision, and another four are presumed dead.
• Four dead NARWs have been located in US waters in 2024. Preliminary findings of necropsies indicate that #5120 died due to chronic entanglement in Maine lobster fishing gear, #1950 due to catastrophic injuries consistent with vessel strike, calf of #4340 due to blunt force trauma (vessel strike), and calf of #1612 (Juno) due to serious injuries from a vessel strike.

F16 - Small Craft Harbours

• Small craft harbours are one of my top priorities and are critical infrastructure for many coastal communities, supporting their economic prosperity.
• That’s why our government announced $463.3 million over three years starting in 2024-25, for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona.
• Since 2016, our government has announced over $1.3 billion in new funding to support small craft harbours, where 90 per cent of landings by Canadian commercial fish harvesters are brought to shore.
• This means harbour infrastructure, such as wharves and breakwaters, will be built using the latest climate-adapted standards and codes, increasing the overall resiliency of our harbours.
• We take the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans very seriously.
• The committee’s letter to the former DFO Minister, related to climate change and to the impacts of post-tropical storm Fiona, was far reaching, touching upon many areas within my department.
• We are working diligently on finalizing our response to the committee, which I look forward to sending to my esteemed colleagues soon.

Background

• Following the passage of Fiona, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) identified 142 harbours impacted by the storm.
• After more in depth evaluations, it was determined that 80 of these 142 harbours required significant interventions. In total, 235 projects were needed to address all of the damage caused at the Fiona-impacted-harbours (multiple projects are required at some locations). To date, 113 of these have been completed.
• On October 17, 2022, the former Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (Minister Murray) and former the Associate Minister of National Defence Minister Petitpas Taylor (MP Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe and current Minister of Veterans Affairs) confirmed $70 million to support the Small Craft Harbours (SCH) Program with dredging, clean-up, assessments, minor repairs, and design development of climate-resilient infrastructure at small craft harbours in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec impacted by Hurricane Fiona.
• Initial clean-up and minor repairs have been carried out at most of the impacted harbours. Dredging was conducted at harbours where sediments were affecting harbour operations.
• As of March 31,2024, funds valued at $70 million have been expended. An additional $23.3 million remains committed but not yet expended. SCH officials are closely monitoring the progression of these projects. Additional funding will need to be identified in order for damages at all Fiona-impacted harbours to be addressed.
• All fish harvesters located at impacted harbours were accommodated during 2023 fishing seasons throughout the regions.
• Work is ongoing to plan and execute longer-term repairs at impacted harbours. This includes working with consultants and harbour authorities to determine the scope of work and associated costs. Depending on the scope and complexity of individual projects, it could take up to five years for all Fiona damages to be repaired.
• Through Budget 2024, the Government of Canada proposes to provide $463.3 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona. This is on top of the Department’s annual budget of $90 million for the Small Craft Harbours program.
• The SCH Program regularly incorporates climate resiliency factors when planning and undertaking infrastructure work so that structures are able to withstand extreme weather. These factors are based on evolving building codes and information from coastal studies and DFO’s Coastal Infrastructure Vulnerability Index (CIVI) Tool.
• SCH staff have concluded that harbours where recent maintenance or upgrade work had been carried out better withstood the impacts of Fiona, as opposed to harbours where no recent interventions had taken place.
• The FOPO committee wrote to then DFO Minister Joyce Murray on March 28, 2023 with a series of 19 recommendations on measures the Department could put in place to address climate change. The Department prepared a response to the letter, which is currently in the Minister’s Office for approval.

F17 - Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

• The Department conducts high quality science, in collaboration with partners, to inform decision-making for the benefit of Canadians.
• Departmental scientists work with a range of partners and external experts in collecting data and conducting research to address important issues, like sustainable fisheries and the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.
• The Department is committed to communicating the results of our research to Canadians to ensure that they are well informed about issues concerning the oceans.

Question 1: What is the Department doing to ensure impartial and transparent science?

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s scientists are respected professionals who work across the country in labs, offices, and on the water to generate the science we need to conserve our oceans and aquatic ecosystems.
• The best available science is used to inform the decisions of the Department - and science advice generated by Fisheries and Oceans considers the work done internally and by collaborators and experts in Canada and around the world.
• The Department continues to strengthen its science function – by bringing experts together, capturing the range of views, and taking steps to share its data. One example is the recently launched Registry for External Science Experts, which creates a pathway for external experts to contribute to government policy development and decision-making through the generation of expert scientific advice.

Background

• Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Science conducts research and monitoring, generates and shares scientific data, produces data products and services, and provides science advice to support evidence-based decision making.
• As a science-based Department, scientific integrity is essential to the work at DFO and of its employees. Scientific integrity is critical to the decision-making process, from the planning and conduct of research to the production of advice and the application of advice to the Departmental decision-making processes.
• The Department’s Scientific Integrity Policy recognizes the importance of high quality science, free from political, commercial and client interference and the importance of this in the decision-making processes utilized by the Department.
• The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) coordinates the production of peer-reviewed science advice for DFO. Science advice is prepared both nationally and through DFO’s regional offices.
• CSAS provides a systematic process for the delivery of science advice to the Department’s decision makers. Advice might relate to the state of an ecosystem or aquatic resources, the impacts of a human activity, the effectiveness of a mitigation strategy or another subject related to DFO’s mandate.

F18 - Climate Change

• Climate change is a critical issue for Canada’s oceans and freshwater resources; it poses serious risks to our aquatic ecosystems and fisheries that support economic activity in coastal communities.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists are conducting research into the climate vulnerability of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems and are monitoring and modelling changing ocean conditions to project and respond to climate-related changes.
• The Department will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners to better understand the climate vulnerability of fish stocks and assist fisheries decision-makers and fish harvesters to adapt to climate-related changes.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is already seeing an increased demand for on-water incident response due to stronger and more frequent storms, shifting ice conditions, pressure on physical assets like buoys, and more demand for marine traffic services as vessels attempt to navigate through difficult conditions.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is implementing adaptation and mitigation actions to ensure ongoing delivery of critical services in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Question 1: How is climate change currently impacting Canadian fisheries?

• Climate-driven changes in water temperature, ocean chemistry, sea ice, and extreme weather events are directly impacting the size, abundance, distribution, food web, life cycles, and survival of species.

Question 2: What measures are being taken to support climate resilient fisheries? 

• The Department continues to assess climate impacts, conduct oceanographic monitoring, support integrating Indigenous Knowledge and the latest scientific research and implement the Fish Stock provisions under the Fisheries Act, which establishes legally binding obligations to support sustainable management and rebuild depleted stocks.
• The Department is also working to implement an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management which will more systematically consider ecosystem information in advice to increase understanding of fisheries dynamics and climate change considerations.     

Background

• Climate change impacts on fisheries are widespread and vary by region. Warming waters can lead to negative impacts on species survivability, northward migration and an increase in invasive species. Climate events, such as marine heatwaves, are projected to add large “shock” effects in addition to long-term climate change impacts. Studies have shown that the most rapid changes in Canada are projected on the Scotian Shelf and nearshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Indigenous communities across Canada are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• In March 2023, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans recommended that, “DFO speed up the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management in Canada given the impact of climate change.”
• In November, DFO hosted a virtual workshop on “Adapting Canadian Fisheries to a Changing Climate,” for over 40 Indigenous Groups and key stakeholders to come together to discuss climate change impacts and adaptation needs within Canada’s fisheries. Discussions focused on identifying: the areas of biggest risk to Canada’s fisheries; barriers and disincentives to climate change adaptation; and future planning opportunities.
• DFO is also working to accelerate and broaden the implementation of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). This work is proceeding incrementally and will be founded on existing policies and frameworks, including the Sustainable Fisheries Framework. DFO has committed to producing a draft EAFM implementation strategy with input from internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• The broader EAFM will enhance current stock assessment and fisheries management practices, enabling a more complete understanding of fishery dynamics, and better and more timely responses to climate change impacts.

F19 - Permitting Process to Support Clean Growth

• Under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, the Department provides advice, and regulates works, undertakings, and activities occurring near water that could impact fish and fish habitat and aquatic species at risk.
• In keeping with the Government’s commitment to grow the clean economy and meet net-zero commitments, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is improving the predictability and transparency of its regulatory framework to support the development of clean growth projects.

Question 1: Why is Fisheries and Oceans Canada taking so long to authorize certain projects?

• The Fisheries Act authorization process includes timelines to ensure a prompt review of projects that are submitted to the Department. The Department has 90 days to process a complete application for a Fisheries Act authorization.
• Proponents of projects can assist with a timely review by ensuring that all required information pertaining to the application for authorization is provided and that potentially impacted Indigenous communities are engaged early.

Question 2: Does the government intend to lower protection standards for fish and fish habitat to advance the projects needed to meet Canada’s net zero commitments?

• The Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act continue to apply for all projects, including projects that support the net-zero transition.
• The Department is working to clarify and find efficiencies in its regulatory process, while offering the same robust protection to fish, fish habitat, and aquatic species at risk.

Background

• On August 28, 2019, the new fish and fish habitat protection provisions and stronger protections to better support the sustainability of Canada’s marine and freshwater resources for future generations came into force.
• As part of the implementation of these changes, the Department has been developing new tools to make the regulatory process more predictable and transparent while strengthening the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.
• Under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, the Department provides advice, and regulates works, undertakings, and activities occurring near water (freshwater and marine) that could impact fish and fish habitat. The Department receives approximately 5000 referrals a year and issues approximately 200 Fisheries Act authorizations spread across every industrial sector in Canada.
• DFO is an important federal expert providing advice on fish and fish habitat in the context of federal Impact Assessments led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
• In September 2023, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the new Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects. The Working Group Coordinates government efforts to grow the clean economy and meet net-zero commitments by ensuring an efficient regulatory framework to support the development of clean growth projects. The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is a member of the working group.
• On February 1, 2024, the the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, and Chair of the Ministerial Working Group, issued a statement that outlined actions the Government will take. Commitments to launch a public permitting dashboard and improve coordination across federal departments are particularly relevant to the Department.
• Budget 2024 announced measures to get projects done faster by creating a Federal Permitting Coordinator, creating a public dashboard to report on the status of clean growth projects, establishing targets for designated and non-designated projects, and issuing a Cabinet Directive to drive culture change.

F20 - Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) Fisheries

• My Department issues food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fishing licences to Indigenous communities to implement the communal right to fish for food, social, and ceremonial purposes.
• Food, social, and ceremonial fishing varies by community throughout the year, and is not always aligned with commercial seasons or areas.

Question 1: How does DFO decide how to issue food, social, and ceremonial licenses?

• Food, social, and ceremonial licences are intended to reflect consultations with Indigenous communities to understand their needs and objectives related to FSC fisheries, regulations, and management measures that are in place to promote conservation and a safe and orderly fishery.

Question 2: What is DFO doing to combat unauthorized sale of FSC catch?

• Food, social, and ceremonial catch is not for sale. Fishery Officers take a series of targeted enforcement actions to combat unauthorized fishing and sale, which includes education, issuing warnings, and/or laying charges, depending on their assessment of the situational factors.

Question 3: How is the Department working towards further implementing rights-based FSC fishing?

• The Department continues to consult with Indigenous communities on their FSC objectives and interests. Subject to conservation, DFO pursues opportunities for providing FSC access to Indigenous communities to meet their FSC needs and objectives.

Background

• Several court decisions (particularly the 1990 Sparrow decision) have found that certain Indigenous groups have the right to fish for food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) purposes – essentially, the right to fish to meet the internal needs of their communities. 
• Following those decisions, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) made a policy decision to provide FSC access to Indigenous groups across the country, this includes both Section 35 rights holders as well as other Indigenous organizations, such as native councils.
• FSC licences are developed following consultations with Indigenous groups and the conditions of the licence are based on specific considerations present within each Indigenous community.
• Once an FSC licence is issued to a community, individual Indigenous harvesters are designated by their communities to access the fishery, as specified under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations. 
• Financial contributions through the long-standing Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy support development of community-based capacity to manage and monitor FSC harvesting, and to collaborate with DFO in related technical, scientific or compliance-oriented fieldwork, including by Aboriginal Fishery Guardians.
• The Department’s position has been that FSC catches cannot be sold, but the FSC fishery can take place outside the established commercial fishing seasons.
• DFO will continue to conduct monitoring, control and surveillance activities, with the objective of ensuring access to orderly, safe, and sustainable fisheries in support of the Department’s management objectives.
• In early February 2022, DFO initiated a comprehensive consultation process with all First Nations in the Maritimes region about proposed changes to FSC lobster licences ahead of the 2022-23 season.
• The main focus of this consultation process was to identify and support the FSC needs of the community, gear marking and other operational elements, and strengthening monitoring and catch reporting. The outcomes were captured in FSC conditions of licence and broader policy issues raised will inform DFO’s national work to address FSC concerns.
• From 2018 to 2020, DFO Pacific Region conducted a broad engagement with First Nations in the region to better understand their FSC concerns and interests. The outcomes were captured in a “What We Heard” report. Updating the 1993 Policy for the Management of Aboriginal Fishing was identified as a key step to address concerns. The “What We Heard” report continues to inform DFO’s national work to address FSC concerns.
• Consultations will continue with Indigenous communities across Canada to facilitate FSC community needs.

F21 - Indigenous Moderate Livelihood Fishing

• Our government is committed to advancing reconciliation, and renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
• Through an array of collaborative arrangements and nation-to-nation agreements, my Department works with Treaty Nations to uphold treaty rights and protect fishery resources for the benefit of all.
• DFO programs have enabled benefits to communities of over $170 million in annual landings and over $100 million in secondary economic benefits.
• Our goal is to have fisheries that are peaceful, productive, and prosperous, that uphold the Marshall decisions, and ensure that Treaty Nations are able to exercise their rights in a way that is reflective of their visions and needs.

Question 1: How will the Government ensure that Indigenous peoples have the fishing licences (“access”) needed to exercise their rights? 

• Since 2000, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has provided over $630 million in access and training to increase and diversify Indigenous participation in the fishery in Eastern Canada.
• The willing buyer-willing seller approach remains the Department’s preferred approach to obtain access for rights-based fishing.
• The Department acknowledges that a lack of willing sellers at market value cannot be an impediment to implementing rights-based fishing.
• As needed, the Department will consider alternate access mechanisms to support rights-based fishing.

Background

• In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada formally recognized the treaty right to hunt and fish for a moderate livelihood to 34 Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik First Nations in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and the Gaspé, Region of Quebec, as well as the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick (collectively referred to as “Treaty Nations”).
• Over the past 24 years, DFO has provided Treaty Nations over $630 million in funding for fishing licences, vessels, gear and training to help increase and diversify participation in commercial fisheries.
• In 2017, DFO launched the Rights Reconciliation Agreements (RRA) process with Treaty Nations, with a mandate to negotiate enhanced fisheries collaborative management, fisheries governance and increased fisheries access, all while recognizing but not defining the Moderate Livelihood right.
• The RRA mandate expired in April 2023, with DFO concluding seven RRAs with 15 Treaty Nations (40 per cent of the total Treaty communities’ population).
• In 2021, a new pathway to moderate livelihood rights implementation was announced through the development of Moderate Livelihood Fishing Plans (MLFPs). MLFPs are conducted within established commercial seasons, include other restrictions similar to those of regular commercial licences, and are harvested exclusively by community members for their own benefit. Of note, these are understandings, not agreements. To date, since 2021, 16 understandings with 15 Treaty communities have been reached.
• DFO is working on a new path to best support Treaty Nations’ capacity to participate in fisheries, which has been informed by the lessons learned in nation-to-nation dialogue since 2017. There are several active litigations related to the Treaty right, including a claim by a Treaty Nation challenging DFO’s implementation of the right, and a judicial review by an industry group challenging the legality of one of the RRAs.
• The Department continues to have regular and frequent meetings at various levels with non-Indigenous fishing industry stakeholders to answer questions about moderate livelihood fishing. However, non-Indigenous industry remains critical of being excluded from discussions with Treaty Nations and lack of transparency regarding Canada’s long-term approach to rights-based fishing.

F22 - Reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

• Fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat and marine waterways are of great social, cultural, spiritual and economic importance for Indigenous Peoples Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard plays an important role to advance federal reconciliation efforts.

Question 1: How is the Department working towards reconciliation?

• DFO is committed to advancing reconciliation and endeavours to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are full partners in the sustainable use of the fishery resource, the protection of fish and fish habitat, and the safety, conservation, and management of oceans.
• The Department delivers a robust program suite to support Indigenous community capacity, collaborative management, and commercial and economic development opportunities. DFO is involved in 80 treaty and reconciliation negotiation tables nationwide.

Question 2: How will the Department implement the UN Declaration Action Plan?

• DFO is fully committed to advancing the UNDA Action Plan measures under its purview in ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, to implement the UN Declaration and advance reconciliation
• DFO is working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support Indigenous-led marine conservation and advance shared conservation goals; to build Indigenous-led capacity in fisheries management and monitoring; and, enhance collaborative fisheries governance.
• In support of UNDA implementation, Budget 2024 provided funding  to conclude treaty agreements with British Columbia First Nations and to establish the new Central Coast National Marine Conservation Area Reserve in British Columbia.

Background

• Through policies, programs, treaty tools, and reconciliation agreements, the Department strives to manage fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat, and marine waterways in a manner that respects Indigenous rights and interests, meets legal obligations, and reconciles Indigenous rights and interests with the interests of all harvesters.
• DFO’s 2019 Reconciliation Strategy presents a long-term approach to advancing meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, notably by helping employees understand why and how reconciliation is significant to their daily work.
• On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) received Royal Assent. All Ministers have been directed to implement the UNDA in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to:
• Take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration
• Prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration; and
• Develop annual reports on progress and submit them to Parliament
• On June 21, 2023, Justice Canada released the whole-of-government UNDA Action Plan, which provides a roadmap of actions Canada needs to take, in partnership and cooperation with Indigenous partners, to implement the Declaration and advance reconciliation.
• DFO is currently identified as a lead department for the following 11 Action Plan Measures:
  1. Fishing rights, legislative, regulatory, and policy amendments and reforms
  2. Collaborative governance and shared decision-making for fish and fish habitat and fisheries
  3. Capacity funding for fisheries, oceans and marine-related services and decision-making
  4. Support for fisheries Guardians
  5. Incorporation of Indigenous knowledge
  6. Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative
  7. Marine Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas
  8. Addressing systemic racism in enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations
  9. National aquaculture legislation
  10. Co-developing Nunavut Fishery Regulations; and
  11. Modern Treaty partner collaboration on fisheries legislation and policies
• Budget 2024 announced funding for DFO, Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Transport Canada to secure agreements on Section 35 rights related agreements in B.C. for Musqueam as well as groups in the Northern Interior, and Vancouver Island,
• Also, through Budget 2024, the government announced that it is establishing the new Central Coast National Marine Conservation Area Reserve in British Columbia, and proposes to provide $109.6 million over 11 years, starting in 2025-26, with $57.9 million in remaining amortization, and $10.7 million per year ongoing, for its creation and operation.
  • Established through a process that has been guided by Indigenous knowledge and world-class science, this new national marine conservation area will not only protect the health of this unique ecosystem, but also the traditional practices and wellbeing of local communities.
• The Department has initiated discussions with some Indigenous partners to deepen consultation and cooperation processes toward implementation of the action plan measures and this work will continue. Implementation-focused engagement will be prioritized in a way that respects existing relationships, partnerships, and established governance, while recognizing the capacity of Indigenous partners.

F23 - Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)

• DFO recognizes the importance of Indigenous-led conservation, including marine IPCAs, and is committed to working with Indigenous partners to advance shared conservation goals. 
• Our preferred approach is to work with partners from an early stage as they develop their vision, exploring how conserved sites may be co-designated to reflect our shared commitment to protect the area.
• DFO is committed to open dialogue and consultation with all parties and stakeholders when contemplating new conservation initiatives, including new marine IPCA partnership opportunities.
• This ensures an inclusive approach is taken to the identification and consideration of all relevant interests and perspectives.
• Although IPCAs are Indigenous-led, the declaration of an IPCA does not change DFO’s authority and role as the regulator of fisheries.

Background

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for managing a sustainable fishery and for establishing marine protected areas(MPAs) under the Oceans Act. We approach this as a shared goal, best advanced through a consultative process that involves partners and stakeholders.
• The Indigenous Circle of Experts has defined the term Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) as lands and waters where Indigenous peoples and governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems.
• It is not for the Government of Canada to say whether an initiative is, or is not, an IPCA, or what makes something an IPCA. That is for Indigenous Peoples to decide.
• IPCA is an Indigenous-led designation and a term that is used to encompass a range of different approaches. Indigenous partners’ goals and interests in developing IPCAs may vary.
• When an Oceans Act MPA, or Fisheries Act other effective area-based conservation measure (OECM) is used alongside a partner’s IPCA designation, that is called “co-designation”. This applies to the use of other federal tools as well.

F24 - Internal Measures to Tackle System Racism and in Support of Reconciliation

• My Department is sustaining its efforts to move away from a relationship based on colonialism to one that recognizes and respects Indigenous rights and interests. More work remains to be done to address the systemic racism faced by Indigenous Peoples.
• That said, my Department has taken a number of measures toward reconciliation and to combat systemic racism.
• We are implementing deliberate strategies to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples at Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is promoting learning and awareness activities surrounding reconciliation.
• Since 2015, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) onboarded over 280 fishery officer cadets who completed their initial training. Once they are deployed into their detachments, Indigenous awareness training continues with a regional focus.
• We will continue our implementation of cultural change across the organization’s operations.

Question 1: What internal activities is the Department undertaking to eliminate systemic racism against Indigenous Peoples?

• My Department is taking steps to educate our staff on Indigenous culture and history to equip them to address unconscious bias, which is foundational in supporting the necessary culture shift.
• My Department supports the activities of six different Indigenous employee Networks on Reconciliation, Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion.

Question 2: What is the Department doing to ensure representation of Indigenous Peoples within its workforce?

• We have made significant progress in recruiting Indigenous employees and currently exceeds the Workforce Availability (WFA) of 4.4 per cent.
• The Executive cadre has met Indigenous representation objectives for the past two and a half years.
• Although Indigenous representation is met nationally, gaps in some regions remain.
• My Department is continuing to promote the recruitment of Indigenous peoples to address these gaps and ensure representation from all the many Indigenous communities.
• My Department also supports Indigenous employee career progression by promoting the Indigenous Career Navigator Program, and the DFO/CCG Sponsorship Program.

Background

Table 1. National workforce representation of Indigenous Peoples and the Workforce Availability (WFA) gaps over the past 3.5 years

• Positive numbers indicate the DFO workforce exceeds the Canadian WFA, whereas negative numbers indicate the workforce fails to meet WFA or is underrepresented.

• Although Indigenous representation is met nationally, we are continuing efforts to address the gaps which remain in some specific regions, namely in CCG Atlantic and  CCG Central.
• The Department has undertaken a number of specific activities in support of a representative workforce over the last year, including:
  • Supporting Indigenous employee career progression by promoting the Indigenous Career Navigator Program, sponsoring Indigenous Peoples in the DFO/CCG Sponsorship Program, the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Mosaic Leadership Development program,and integrating official language training for Indigenous employees who are ready for advancement as a priority in current and upcoming departmental action plans
  • Prioritizing executives and future executives in Employment Equity (EE) groups, including Indigenous employees, for leadership development programs and initiatives
  • Leveraging EE focused group hiring initiatives such as the Indigenous Federal Student Work Experience Program, Indigenous Internship Leadership Program, National Indigenous Student Recruitment Initiative and IT Apprenticeship Program for Indigenous Peoples to support Indigenous representation within my Department; and
  • Addressing workplace barriers faced by Indigenous Peoples through the implementation of the 2022-2025 Accessibility Action Plan, and more will be done with the 2022-2027 EE, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan implementation
• Additional efforts from the past year to eliminate systemic racism toward Indigenous Peoples include:
  • The development of devoted Indigenous spaces in facilities to support employees
  • The organization of Indigenous-led cultural awareness events by Indigenous employee networks; and
  • The sharing of information packages and sessions with new employees to better understand the Calls to Action of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission

F25 - Transformation of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

• The Department is currently assessing the expressions of interest received from parties with an interest in future ownership and governance of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation.
• A formal bid solicitation process is expected to follow later in the year.
• We recognize the critical role the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation plays in Canada’s freshwater fisheries and are committed to ensuring its long-term success and further advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous partners.

If pressed:

• Regarding funding to help interested parties put together bids, we are aware that some parties are seeking support to prepare their bids. The expression of interest process and further engagement will help us to determine the extent of those requests and what support is possible.

Background

• The Government of Canada is moving forward on the transformation of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC) through an open and transparent competitive process.
• The FFMC is a federal Crown corporation created in 1969 through the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act (FFMA).
• It is a single-desk purchaser, processor, and marketer of freshwater commercial fish in provinces and territories participating under the Act – originally Alberta (AB), Saskatchewan (SK), Manitoba (MB), Ontario (ON), and the Northwest Territories (NT) – whose mandate includes seeking the greatest economic returns possible for commercial fishers. Commercial fishers served by the FFMC are mostly Indigenous.​
• Since the withdrawal of ON in 2011, SK in 2012, and MB in 2017, the NT remains the only active participant under the FFMA, although other jurisdictions continue to sell fish to the FFMC under contracts.
• In 2017, the Government of Canada engaged harvesters and communities on the future of the FFMC. The engagement found that many harvesters still value the FFMC and its services but want more control over their industry.
• A Ministerial Advisory Panel was established in 2018 to explore new governance and ownership models that support collaboration and cooperation amongst fish harvesters and involve them in decision making.
• In 2019, based on the recommendation of the Ministerial Advisory Panel, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (DFO) appointed an Interlocutor to lead the next steps in the FFMC’s transformation process. The Interlocutor conducted over 30 engagement sessions with harvesters and other stakeholders in the freshwater fishery including Indigenous leaders, non-governmental economic development organizations and representatives of federal and provincial governments. In March 2020, the Interlocutor established an Interim Committee of Inland Fish Harvesters to advise him in assessing the feasibility of transforming the FFMC.
• Over the past several years, DFO has been approached by a variety of parties with an interest in participating in the future of the Corporation.
• The Government of Canada has recently decided to move forward to transform the FFMC through an open and transparent competitive process. 
• DFO announced the decision and next steps to the FFMC Board of Directors, Indigenous governments and organizations, provinces and territories and industry in November 2023.
• The competitive process was launched with an initial solicitation of interest that was open from February 19 - April 5, 2024. A formal bid solicitation process will follow later in the year. DFO is currently reviewing submissions from this process. 
• Among other considerations, bidding criteria for the competitive process will be developed to promote continued market access for rural, remote, and isolated harvesters, and to promote economic reconciliation. These criteria will be refined and informed through feedback from the solicitation of interest and on-going engagements with Indigenous governments and organizations and provincial and territorial governments.

F26 - Marine Conservation

• Canada currently conserves 14.66 per cent of its ocean to support strong and vibrant coastal communities for future generations.
• The Government of Canada has committed more than $1 billion to manage existing protected and conserved areas and to conserve 25 per cent of Canada’s ocean by 2025. Canada has also committed internationally and domestically to conserve 30 per cent by 2030. A further $800 million has been committed to support Indigenous-led conservation within Canada.
• These historic investments will support the establishment and management of conservation areas through partnership and shared work with communities.

F27 - Task Group on Traceability and Labelling of Fish and Seafood Products

• The House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) 2022 report on “Traceability and Labelling of Fish and Seafood Products” recommended that “the Government of Canada establish an interdepartmental task force led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and involving key agencies, supply chain participants and other stakeholders to develop a coordinated response to fish and seafood product mislabelling and to implement full boat-to-plate traceability for all fish and seafood products harvested, farmed or sold in Canada. This task force should also consider the creation of an oversight entity to enforce the effective implementation of the Canadian traceability and labelling system and to measure progress outcomes.”
• The Government supported this recommendation and committed to creating an interdepartmental forum, led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), to make progress on mislabeling and boat-to-plate traceability.

Current status

• DFO is chairing an interdepartmental task group which also includes Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Agriculture and Agrifood Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.
• The group will advance long- and short-term actions to address mislabeling and traceability issues to support an orderly and well managed fishery and prevent overfishing. As part of this work, the group will reflect on feedback received from the Boat to Plate consultations, the recommendations made in the FOPO report and advice from subject matter experts.

Next Steps

• The task group meets regularly and on an ongoing basis.

F28 - Fisheries Catch Data Collection – Electronic Logbooks

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is transitioning to digital tools to improve client services and to help inform timely fisheries management decision making.
• The electronic logbook (ELOG) initiative enables fish harvesters to submit real-time catch data to the Department using DFO approved third-party applications.
• This is not only critical for fisheries management decision-making, but also to respond to emerging challenges, such as adaptability due to climate change.
• While some regions are further ahead than others, all have implementation plans in place to onboard more harvesters; including expansion of voluntarily use in 2024 in certain fisheries with a particular focus on the most lucrative fisheries, such as lobster and crab.

Question 1: Why hasn’t the Department inputted cod catch data into the Newfoundland regional licensing system over the last three years?

• We acknowledge that existing paper-based processes that rely on the manual entry of logbook data is resource intensive and results in delays in having timely access to catch data.
• The Newfoundland Region is working to advance the implementation of electronic logbooks (ELOGS), which will allow for real-time reporting and data entry once implemented.
• A small group of harvesters are using ELOGS in the region now, with further voluntary advancement planned for this fishing season.

Question 2: What is the Department doing to address data that is outdated (i.e.: several years old)?

• Electronic data capture will combat the need for manual entry which is resource and time intensive.

Question 3: What is DFO doing with respect to cost, connectivity, data accuracy and security? 

• Cost is determined by third-party application developers and our ELOG standard indicates it must be cost competitive for harvesters to purchase and must work offline. 
• All third-party solutions must adhere to Government of Canada guidelines on system development, data protection, as well as the ELOG standard to ensure data accuracy.

Background

• Tracking information about commercial fishing catch and effort is important to both commercial harvesters to help them manage their businesses and to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to help inform decisions around fisheries management and protection.
• Today, much of the catch and effort data that fishing captains report to the Department is submitted in paper form, and must be inputted manually into regional licensing system. The Electronic logbook (ELOG) program is instrumental in shifting to having timely access to catch and effort data and is already in use in some regions.
• Quebec and Gulf regions have been early adopters of ELOGs since 2017. As of 2024, Quebec has made ELOGs mandatory for Lobster in Fishing Area (FA) 17B, 19, 20, 21, 22 as well as Snow Crab in FA 16, 17, 12A and 12B.
• Historically, the electronic logbook (ELOG) program has relied solely on third-party developers to design ELOG applications from technical specifications outlined by DFO. These developed applications must then be purchased by harvesters for use. Although DFO was seeking to phase out paper logbook tracking by 2024, this approach was delayed due to various circumstances, including the lack of ELOG applications for certain fisheries.
• The eventual mandatory use of ELOGs for all fisheries and species nationally  will depend on several factors, such as availability of a sufficient number of ELOG products for a fishery, harvester uptake, stakeholder feedback etc. DFO is following a phased approach to mandatory implementation to ensure all harvesters have the same access to the same tools, competitive prices and technological advancements across the country.
• Quebec and Gulf regions have been early adopters of ELOGs since 2017. While Quebec continues to advance mandatory use in select fisheries, continued voluntary use in 2024 for all regions is expected to offer harvesters additional time to become familiar with the technology and to research available products for their fisheries.

F29 - Ghost Gear

• Ghost gear is a source of plastic pollution that has a devastating impact on our commercial species and marine ecosystems.
• Since the establishment the Ghost Gear Program in 2019, Canada has become a leader in addressing ghost gear. We are one of the first countries in to have mandatory reporting of lost fishing gear through an app-based Fishing Gear Reporting System.
• The Ghost Gear Fund has supported 144 projects totaling over $58 million, and the recent Zero Plastic Waste initiative audit identified the Ghost Gear Fund as successfully reducing marine plastic litter in Canadian waters. 
• We will continue working with harvesters and experts to reduce ghost gear in the coming years, including through the development of a Ghost Gear Action Plan by 2027, which will modernize fisheries operations and regulations.

Question 1: Why is there no more funding for the Ghost Gear Fund?

• We thank our partners for the great work done. At this moment no additional funding has been identified.
• We will continue to work with harvesters and experts to identify ghost gear challenges in Canada’s oceans and consider options moving forward.

Question 2: How were projects chosen, and how do you address issues with specific projects?

• All projects are graded and ranked based on eligibility criteria and alignment with Departmental priorities.
• The Ghost Gear Program continuously monitors progress and milestones throughout the delivery of projects.
• Progress is constantly measured against conditions outlined in funding agreements to ensure proper management of government funding and delivery of projects.

Background

• The term 'ghost gear' refers to any fishing gear that has been abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded (ALDFG) (for example nets, line, rope, traps, pots, and floats). It is a form of marine pollution that can be fatal to fish, marine mammals and other marine life, poses a navigation hazard, and may break down into other forms of pollution such as microplastics. 
• The Government of Canada, working with partners and stakeholders, has made significant progress tackling lost fishing gear, known as ghost gear, in Canada and abroad through the Ghost Gear Program.
• Canada has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, signing on the Global Ghost Gear Initiative in 2018, establishing a Ghost Gear Program in 2019, mandating lost gear reporting in 2020, and sharing lost gear reporting data with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative’s Data Portal in 2022 and again in 2024.
• As part of the program, specific funding periods were created under the Ghost Gear Fund to support projects focusing on ghost gear retrieval, disposal, technological advances and international leadership.
• Since 2020, the Ghost Gear Fund contributed a total of $58.3 million to 144 projects. Funding recipients who focused on retrieval were able to recover over 36,049 units, or 2,233 tonnes, of gear, as well as 858 km worth of rope from our waters.
• We thank our partners who participated in projects during those funding periods to help keep our waters clean from fishing gear debris.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working on a Canadian Ghost Gear Action Plan to prevent fishing gear loss in the future. We will continue to support our partners in their efforts to keep our waters free from fishing gear debris.  

F30 - Atlantic Salmon Direct Genetic Interactions Risk Assessment on the East Coast

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) uses the best available science to sustainably manage fisheries and aquaculture in collaboration with provinces and Indigenous communities.
• On March 21, 2024, DFO published a peer reviewed Science Advisory Report on the risks of interbreeding between escaped farmed and wild Atlantic salmon on Canada’s East Coast.
• Findings showed varying risk levels across the wild salmon populations examined, with increased risk for small and/or declining populations and those closer to aquaculture operations.

Question 1: What is the department doing to mitigate the risk of interbreeding between farmed and wild Atlantic salmon?

• While DFO is the lead aquaculture regulator in British Columbia and PEI, the provinces are the lead regulators in the rest of Canada.
• The risk assessment results will inform DFO’s advice to provinces when considering new or expansion requests for salmon aquaculture sites and decisions on permitting transfers of salmon.

Question 2: What are some of the knowledge gaps that exist for Atlantic salmon farm-wild genetic interactions?

• Modelling of genetic interactions relies on the best available literature and data, and the information may not apply specifically to the region(s) being assessed. Additionally, very few rivers are monitored routinely for escapees.
• As new, completed research becomes available, DFO will continue to review and incorporate the information as part of its risk-based, science-informed adaptive management process.

Background

• On March 21, 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) published a Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Science Advisory Report on the risks posed to wild Atlantic salmon abundance (population sizes) and genetic character (the overall diversity in the DNA among the individuals of a species) due to direct genetic interactions (interbreeding) with escaped farmed Atlantic salmon on Canada’s East Coast.
• The report outlines findings from the June 6-9, 2023, CSAS National Science Advisory Meeting on this topic.
• The Department provided a technical briefing to provincial regulators (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick as well as Prince Edward Island) and industry stakeholders (identified by provinces) prior to the publication of the Science Advisory Report. To date, only a few media inquiries have been received by the Department, including an interview with CBC Radio’s The Broadcast, which aired on March 27, 2024.
• The risk assessment used multiple peer-reviewed analytical approaches and domestic and international data sources to inform the likelihood and consequence assessments. Data sources included available models designed to assess interbreeding, industry reporting of escapes, in-river monitoring or opportunistic sampling of escapes, and results of genetic screening for detection of escapes and/or their offspring.
• The level of risk related to direct genetic interactions increased by proximity to, and intensity of, aquaculture operations, and by declining wild population size.
• Multiple mitigation measures may need to be applied concurrently to help lower escape rates and reduce associated risks.
• Assessment findings are consistent with studies in other jurisdictions across the North Atlantic such as Scotland, Iceland and Norway.
• Technologies such as fully closed containment or fully sterile populations could eliminate interbreeding between escaped and wild Atlantic Salmon, but the use of these approaches has not been widely demonstrated and assessed.
• DFO supports efforts to protect wild fish populations and the provincial regulation of the aquaculture sectors in Atlantic Canada by providing advice regarding siting for new aquaculture leases and the expansion of existing sites. The Department also collaborates with the Atlantic provinces on the assessment process for authorizing transfer of fish to marine sites. DFO and the Atlantic provinces are exploring possible mitigation measures to reduce risks of interbreeding between escaped and wild Atlantic salmon populations.
• A peer-reviewed research paper, featuring several DFO authors, was published recently indicating that the Atlantic salmon population has declined 92% over the last four decades in the Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador, in contrast with most other populations in the region. Results identified factors associated with salmon aquaculture as a possible driver of the decline. Additional factors include the influence of both climate change and predation.

F31 - Foreign Ownership

• The findings of the Beneficial Ownership Survey found that 2 per cent of survey respondents had some degree of foreign ownership within their corporate structure.
• DFO has begun to engage key stakeholders on the results of the Survey. Future engagements are planned to reach a broader range of stakeholders, to identify additional means of examining foreign control, such as access leasing and concentration.
• The Department is aware of the concerns expressed by the Committee in their recent report on foreign ownership and corporate concentration. A Government Response was tabled in the House of Commons on April 11, 2024.

Question 1: Does the Department intend to immediately ban foreign ownership of fishing licences on the West Coast?

• The Department will engage stakeholders to discuss foreign ownership and to explore potential policy changes as part of the upcoming engagement on the West Coast.
• Careful consideration of the potential impacts are required before any policy changes can be considered.

Question 2: What additional information can be revealed about the licence holders with foreign ownership?

• DFO is unable to publicly release private details on the names of licence holders with foreign ownership, the access they hold, or their landings.

Question 3: What else will the West Coast Fisheries Modernization engagement cover? 

• The engagement will cover a range of topics related to commercial fishery concerns in Pacific region, including: the development of a public Licence and Quota Registry; inclusive advisory processes; and the viability of Atlantic inshore-style policies.

Background

• The issue of foreign ownership of Canadian fishing enterprises was first highlighted as part of the 2019 FOPO report “West Coast Fisheries: Sharing Risks and Benefits.” The report’s 20 recommendations called for significant changes to the current fisheries management and licensing regime, including that “no future sales of fishing quota and/or licences be to non-Canadian beneficial owners”.
• There is no national standard for foreign ownership limits for commercial fisheries in Canada. The Department’s foreign ownership restrictions on commercial fisheries access are established through its regional licensing policies, which are designed to support the fishery’s unique management objectives.
• In February of 2021, DFO strengthened the application of its foreign ownership restrictions in Atlantic Canada. Under the “Enhanced Application of Foreign Ownership Restrictions”, the requirement to be at least 51 per cent Canadian is applied to the full corporate structure of prospective licence holders for all future licence re-issuances where this policy applies.
• On January 30, 2022, DFO launched a survey that was mandatory for all Pacific commercial licence holders and vessel owners, and all Atlantic and Quebec licences holders whose corporate structure were not already prescribed by regulation (inshore and communal commercial fisheries were excluded).
• The Survey results were published on September 22, 2023. The Survey found that of those surveyed, ~2 per cent of licenced eligibility holders has dome degree of foreign ownership, however more work is required to understand alternative means of control and influence in the fishery, including concentration of access and quota leasing.
• DFO has begun to engage key stakeholders to discuss the findings’ impacts and any potential policy solutions, if required. Careful consideration of the potential impacts on existing licence holders across all commercial fisheries, as well as Canada’s international trade obligations, will be required before any policy changes could be introduced, or regulatory amendments considered.
• On December 13, 2023, FOPO tabled a new report, titled “Foreign Ownership and Corporate Concentration of Fishing Licenses and Quota”. The Report’s 19 recommendations call for: the implementation of Atlantic inshore-style policies and foreign ownership limits in fisheries where they are not currently present; increased government oversight and collaboration; robust administration of the inshore regulations, and; improved supports for commercial harvesters. The Government Response was tabled in the House of Commons on April 11, 2024, pursuant to Standing Order 109.

F32 - Judicial Review of the Re-Issuance of Clearwater’s Licences to a Coalition of Atlantic Mi’kmaq First Nations

• I have received the Federal Court’s decision of the Minister’s 2021 decision to approve the transfer of commercial fishing licences in waters adjacent to Nunavut.
• The licences transferred were from Clearwater Seafoods to First Nation Coalition Quota Limited Partnership, which is owned by a coalition of Mi’kmaq First Nations.
• The judicial review was launched by the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

If pressed on DFO’s position on the Federal Court’s Decision made on April 26, 2024

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada will always respect the Court’s findings, take the time to review the decision rendered in accordance with any guidance provided by the Court, and determine the impact it has on the Department’s programs and policies.
• A decision will be made in the near future about the course of action that will be taken in this case.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada remains committed to working with Inuit organizations and the Government of Nunavut to advance Inuit and Nunavut’s interests.

Background

• On November 9, 2020, Clearwater announced the sale of the company to seven Atlantic Mi’kmaq First Nations and Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, with each owning 50 per cent of Clearwater. The sale was completed on January 25, 2021, after additional independent reviews by the Competition Bureau of Canada as well as the Nova Scotia courts.
• On January 26, 2021, a formal request was sent to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by Clearwater to reissue Clearwater’s midshore and offshore Canadian fishing licences in the name of the new owners, the Mi’kmaq coalition. The Mi’kmaq coalition formed the First Nations Coalition Quota Limited Partnership (FNC Quota) for the purpose of holding the acquired licences.
• The Clearwater sale was the result of a willing buyer/willing seller transaction, representing, as expressed by Chief Terry Paul, “the single largest investment in the seafood industry by any Indigenous group in Canada.”
• The Mi’kmaq First Nations have borrowed from the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) in order to finance the purchase of the company. Clearwater and FNC Quota have indicated that the inclusion of all Clearwater licences and associated allocations was a key factor in the deal and fundamental to the ability for FNC Quota to have access to capital through FNFA.
• The Clearwater sale was also seen by Nunavut interests, including the Government of Nunavut as a major opportunity to increase their access to fisheries in waters adjacent to Nunavut. To that effect, Nunavut interests have written to the Minister on several occasions, requesting that Clearwater licences and allocations for fisheries in the north be provided to them. Some licences held by Clearwater have associated quota that is fishable in areas directly outside the Nunavut Settlement Area or partly within Zone I of the Nunavut Agreement.
• As any licence re-issuance request that entails a transfer of commercial fisheries access in Zone I (and Zone II) triggers section 15.3.7 of the Agreement, a detailed review of this matter was conducted by the Department to take into account all relevant considerations, including a special consideration to the principles of adjacency and the economic dependence of Nunavut communities and residents on marine resources, and the views expressed by stakeholders.
• Following a six months in-depth analysis of this re-issuance request against all criteria set out in licensing policy, Integrated Fisheries Management Plans, and the administrative guidelines that govern the affected fisheries, as well as the review of all relevant land claims agreements, the request was approved by the Minister on July 16, 2021, and Clearwater, FNC Quota and Nunavut interests notified in writing on July 30, 2021 of the decision.
• Following the receipt of the notification, the NTI and the QIA have applied for judicial review in the Federal Court seeking an order setting aside the Minister’s July 16, 2021, decision to approve the re-issuance of offshore and midshore licences and associated allocations from Clearwater to FNC Quota.
• The Federal Court hearing for the judicial review took place in Iqaluit October 16 - 18, 2023.
• The decision of the Federal Court was rendered on April 26, 2024. The application for judicial review was granted, and the Minister’s decision was quashed. The Court concluded that the Ministerial decision was unreasonable because the Minister did not meaningfully grapple with the “special considerations” required by the Nunavut Agreement. However, the Court recognized that there was no breach of procedural fairness. As a consequence of this decision, the matter is remitted back to the Minister for redetermination.
• The decision is being reviewed by the Department to determine what should be the course of action in this case.

G – Regional Notes

G33 - Elver Fishery

• The elver fishery in the Maritime Region has experienced a pattern of increasing and serious challenges, including conservation and safety concerns, leading to closures of the fishery during the season.
• Since the closure in 2023, the Department is working with First Nations, commercial industry, and other stakeholders to chart a path forward. While progress has been made, there is still more work to do.
• My Department continues to work on the changes necessary to provide a sustainable and orderly elver fishery for all harvesters. Until these measures are fully in place, I have decided not to issue licences in 2024 and, as such, to not open the elver fishery. 
• Ongoing work related to regulating the possession and export of elver, changing how the fishery is managed, and addressing the distribution of access to Indigenous harvesters are key to promoting compliance in this fishery. These changes will also support deterrence and prosecution for non-compliance in the courts.

If pressed on elver arrests in Shelburne area March 26, 2024?

• On March 26 a situation occurred in Shelburne County NS involving the arrest and release of two Mi’kmaw individuals. I am deeply troubled by allegations raised.
• My colleague, the Parliamentary Secretary, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, and I met with Mi’kmaq leaders on    April 5.
• We must work together to undertake a thorough review, which includes Indigenous voices, to shed light on this matter.

Question 1: What is the Department Reviewing?

• Departmental officials are working diligently to improve the management and bring stability to the fishery.
• Decisions will be taken on changes in three key areas:
  1. enhancing access for Indigenous communities
  2. establishing new regulatory requirements for possession and export of elvers; and
  3. developing updated management conditions and traceability systems
• All three of these deliverables are necessary to provide a reasonable opportunity to build a sustainable, safe, orderly, and well-managed fishery moving forward.

Question 2: Given the decision not to issue licences for 2024, how are you enforcing unauthorized fishing?

• The Department’s primary focus is to ensure the sustainability and orderly management of fisheries.   
• Our Fishery Officers enforce the Fisheries Act, and that includes taking enforcement action when individuals are harvesting without a Fisheries and Oceans Canada issued authorization.
• Our Fishery Officers are working with federal and provincial enforcement partners to conduct patrols of rivers within the region and inspections of facilities and export points within and external to the region.
• No one is authorized to fish elver. Anyone caught fishing for elver by Fishery Officers will be arrested, their vehicles and gear seized, and they will be charged.
• Our officers work with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or police of jurisdiction when violations, that go beyond Conservation and Protection’s legal authorities and mandate, are identified.

Question 3: Will you offer compensation to licence holders?

• Changes must be put in place to ensure a sustainable long-term fishery.
• Many decisions are taken on access to Canada’s valuable fisheries every day, including unfortunate decisions to close or drastically reduce fishing efforts to conserve species. Generally these changes do not result in compensation to licence holders.
• In this case, we are working with Indigenous partners, industry, and other stakeholders to build a more sustainable fishery for all.
• Fishing licenses and quota do not confer property rights or create a right to compensation.

Background

• Elvers are juvenile American Eels. Because all American eel originate from the same spawning location in the Sargasso Sea and are therefore all of the same genetic makeup, they are considered a single global population. The American eel population has decreased across eastern Canada in the last forty years. Canada is currently considering whether to list the species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA); if listed, prohibitions would apply.
• The elver fishery is managed with a total allowable catch (TAC) and site-specific river catch limits set for each fishing location (rivers, streams, brooks) in licences. The TAC of 9960kg has remained the same since 2005. For 2023, there were eight commercial licences, one communal commercial licence, and two interim communal commercial licences covering 10 First Nation Communities.
• In 2022 and 2023, First Nation access was reallocated from existing licence holder TAC. The Department participated in a Judicial Review (JR) brought by three non-Indigenous elver licence holders who disagreed with the approach to reallocating the 2022 quota and were successful. Three JRs have also been brought to the Department on the 2023 decision.
• The elver fishery has become extremely lucrative in the past 10 years, with landed value rising from $450 per kilogram (kg) in 2009 to approximately $5000 per kg in 2023, with a peak value of $5,100 per kg in 2019.
• In comparison to other commercial fisheries, the investments required to harvest are relatively low. Coupled with it’s high value, there is significant unauthorised harvesting in this fishery.
• Due to the limited current extent of access held by First Nations who assert a credible right to fish elvers for a moderate livelihood, there is considerable risk of ongoing and high levels of unauthorised fishing by Indigenous communities in the Region and First Nations from various Provinces and States and creating instability in the fishery. DFO considers greater access by First Nations to the elver fishery could help to mitigate these risks.
• Fishing outside the DFO authorized commercial elver fishery steadily increased over the last decade. In the springs of 2020 and 2023, as a result of significant fishing activity outside the commercial fishery by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters, the Minister issued a Fisheries Management Order to close the fishery.
• Unauthorized harvest of elvers poses a significant safety concern for both harvesters and fishery officers. DFO received numerous complaints of disputes between harvesters and responded to incidences of fishing gear tampering and situations involving threats to harvesters and fishery officers, intimidation and vandalism of public property.
• On February 13, 2024, letters were sent to elver fishery licence holders from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, stating that the Minister was contemplating not issuing fishing licences for the 2024 season and seeking their feedback.
• On March 11, 2024, after consideration of all feedback received, the Minister’s decision not to issue any elver licences in the Maritimes Region in 2024 was announced, via a public statement and letters to licence holders.The review of the fishery, including ongoing consultation and engagement continues.

G34 - Shrimp and Redfish Fishery

• The sharp decline in the abundance of northern shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence is a cause for concern for the future of this commercial fishery.
• The total allowable catach (TAC) for the four shrimp stocks is 3,060 tonnes.
• The fishery opened as agreed on April 1, 2024. The first weeks of fishing confirmed the very low abundance of shrimp. Catch rates are very low and only a few vessels are in operation.
• On January 26, 2024, I announced the re-opening of the commercial Redfish fishery in Unit 1 after a nearly 30 year moratorium, with a 10 per cent allocation going to Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp harvesters, to provide a new fishing and income opportunity to these harvesters.

Question 1: Will Fisheries and Oceans compensate Estuary and Gulf shrimp harvesters to help them get through this crisis?

• The Department, in collaboration with other federal government departments that have an economic mandate, is evaluating resources and programs available to support the shrimp fishing industry.
• The Department does not currently manage a financial assistance program for harvesters. Its mandate is to ensure resource conservation for sustainable fisheries.
• The Department has announced an extension of the Quebec and Atlantic fisheries funds. These programs may help harvesters adapt for the future.

Question 2: How will the reopening of the Unit 1 redfish fishery help shrimp harvesters?

• On January 26, 2024, the Minister announced the return of the commercial Unit 1 redfish this year.
• The redfish fishery will open this year with a 10 per cent allocation to Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp harvesters to partially mitigate the impacts of the shrimp TAC decreases.
• While the allocation falls short of what Estuary and Gulf shrimp harvesters are seeking, this allocation will provide additional fishing and income opportunities.
• Estuary and Gulf shrimp harvesters can transition into this fishery as they already have licences and vessels that can be used to fish redfish.
• The Redfish Advisory Committee met in early March to discuss management measures, including total allowable catch, for the 2024 fishery. Estuary and Gulf shrimp harvesters, among other groups, were given the opportunity to provide their views.
• The Department is currently analyzing all comments received from Redfish Advisory Committee participants, including Gulf shrimp harvesters, to develop recommendations on the TAC and other management measures for the 2024 season.

Background

• During the 2023 season, landings of northern shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence have been described as "spectacularly catastrophic" by fishermen and processors. Catch rates in the busiest fishing areas were at 50 per cent of what they were the year before.
• These low catch rates combined with high operating costs have created major profitability issues. Several fishing companies and processing plants faced major financial difficulties, and the low volumes caught already had economic repercussions in certain communities in New Brunswick (NB), Quebec (QC) and on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
• The latest Stock Assessment of Northern Shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence concluded that  three of the four stocks are currently in the critical zone of the proposed precautionary approach, and that their respective biomass values are the lowest observed since 1990.
• Warming and oxygen depletion in deep waters, as well as increased predation by redfish appear to be major factors contributing to the decline and lower productivity of these stocks. The ecosystem changes observed in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence indicate a heightened risk to the sustainability of stocks, and consequently to the entire ecosystem of which it is a part, due to its role as a forage species.
• At the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp advisory committee meeting held on October 31 and November 1, fleet representatives from Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador reiterated their dismay at the anticipated reduction in quotas. They rejected the revised Precautionary Approach proposal and called for an ecosystem-based management approach that would take into account redfish predation levels.
• They also supported opening the redfish fishery in Unit 1 as early as the 2024 season, and called for the rapid implementation of a government assistance program to help finance fleet rationalization and the transition to the redfish fishery.
• On January 26, 2024, the Minister announced a total TAC of 3,060 tonnes for the 4 Estuary and Gulf shrimp fishing areas: 1,757 t for the Esquiman zone, 488 t for the Anticosti zone, 342 t for the Sept-Îles zone and 473 t for the Estuary zone.
• The Minister also announced the reopening of the commercial redfish fishery in Unit 1a as well, with a 10 per cent allocation for shrimp harvesters in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Estuary and Gulf shrimp licence holders already have groundfish mobile gear licences that provide access to Unit 1 Redfish. Prior to the closure of the commercial redfish fishery in Unit 1 (1995), Gulf shrimp harvesters participated in the Unit 1 Redfish Fishery as part of the inshore and midshore fleet sectors.
• The 10 per cent allocation announced in the January 26 decision will be supplementary to any allocation obtained by Estuary and Gulf shrimpers as part of the inshore and midshore allocation sharing.

G35 - Lobster Fishery

• In 2023, the Department authorized an opening date for LFA 26A-1 on April 26 based on a consensus reached by fish harvesters from the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) and Gulf Nova Scotia (GNS) to avoid handling lobster during molting and spawning in late June.
• Subsequently, the PEIFA submitted a proposal on behalf of their members in LFA 26A-1 to revert back to an April 30 opening day starting in 2024. The main concerns raised was financial loss incurred by some due to low catches early in the season and the need for more time for ice to dissipate and get ready for the season.
• All associations and Indigenous groups that fish lobster in LFA 26A-1, were consulted on PEIFA’s proposal; only two were in support of the proposal. The key reason the majority did not support is for conservation reasons because lobster are more vulnerable in July.
• After careful consideration, the department did not approve PEIFA’s proposal, opting for the status quo for the 2024 fishing season with an opening date of April 26, similar to the 2023 season, to allow more time to collect additional data as well as provide more flexibility should the season be delayed due to adverse weather. 

Question 1: Why did the department deny the request from the PEIFA?

• In 2023, the PEIFA along with harvesters' associations in Gulf Nova Scotia submitted a joint request to modify the lobster season opening date from April 30 to April 26 in LFA 26A-1; a request that the Department approved. Warming water in the Northumberland Strait and potential effects of handling molting and spawning lobsters in late June were cited as primary concerns.
• In their most recent proposal, the PEIFA requested to have the lobster season opening date reverted back to April 30th, after one season only. Upon further review, the Department considered that another year would help in gathering additional data to properly assess any potential impacts of an early opening. It would also provide greater flexibility should the opening date be delayed for inclement weather. Although representing fewer licence holders actively fishing in LFA 26A-1, a majority of Gulf Nova Scotia fishers were not in favour of the PEIFA proposal.
• This year’s opening of the fishery in LFA 26A1 was delayed by one day, to April 27, 2024, due to strong winds and waves.
• The Department will engage with PEIFA and other fishing associations representing active licence holders in LFA 26A-1 over the coming months to examine their concerns prior to the next lobster fishing season and explore feasible alternatives to help mitigate the concerns of each party.

Question 2: What are the current flexibilities for the lobster fishery?

• The Gulf Region's guidelines for opening and closing dates of the commercial lobster fishery allow for the season opening date to be postponed by up to four days for reasons related to weather conditions and safety at sea. Under these provisions, if the opening of the lobster fishing season is delayed, the opening date may be postponed, at the industry's request, by one day for one day at the end of the season, up to a maximum of four days. There are no provisions allowing for changes to season opening and closing dates to alleviate financial hardships. The Department reviews requests submitted by the fishing industry, conducts consultation with all affected parties to gather views and considers other factors, such as science advice, prior to decision making.

Question 3: How will the Ministry allocate these permits?

• The allocation of these licences is based on the consultations carried out, the availability of the resource, the need to obtain data and the proximity of fishing areas.
• A working group made up of representatives from DFO, First Nations and the Upper-Middle North Shore industry helped develop eligibility and prioritization criteria for obtaining an exploratory licence for LFA 18 for non-native fishers.

Question 4: Will other licenses be issued in other fishing areas?

• Aware of signs of increasing lobster abundance in other areas, DFO is also working on the development of a regional data acquisition plan, including LFAs 17 and 19, respectively in Anticosti and on the north shore of the Gaspé Peninsula.
• In the context of expanding lobster populations and a changing environment, data acquisition is essential.
• Work with First Nations and industry representatives will begin over the coming weeks and months to assess, in different areas, whether the stock can support additional commercial fishing.
• New exploratory fishing permits, with data collection, could be issued as early as 2025 on Anticosti Island and on the north shore of the Gaspé Peninsula. The number, distribution and allocation criteria have yet to be determined.

Background

Gulf Region

• Following a consensus between PEIFA and Gulf Nova Scotia (GNS), the Department authorized the opening date for LFA 26A-1 on April 26, 2023. On November 14, 2023, the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) submitted a proposal on behalf of their members in LFA 26A-1 to revert to an April 30 opening day starting in 2024. This request was submitted as a result of a vote held with all commercial LFA 26A licence holders from the PEIFA. The fishing association raised concerns around financial losses incurred by some due to low catches observed early in the season, also claiming that an April 30 opening would allow more time for ice to dissipate, for vessels to move safely in and out of wharves and for harvesters to get their gear ready.
• The Department conducted consultations with GNS associations and First Nations that fish in LFA 26A-1. Only the Gulf Bonafide Fishermen's Organization and Millbrook First Nation expressed support for the proposal.
• The Department did not approve the proposed request by PEIFA and maintained the opening date on April 26, as per the 2023 season. A letter was sent to the PEIFA to inform them of the Department’s decision, along with a Notice to Fish Harvesters issued before the beginning of the season.

Quebec Region

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is announcing the issuance of twenty-five new exploratory lobster fishing licences in Area 18 as of May 2024, as part of the implementation of a data acquisition plan for Area 18.
• Currently, despite encouraging signs of lobster abundance in Fishing Area 18 (LFA 18) and high catch rates, available data on the stock remains limited.
• In the context of expanding lobster populations and a changing environment, it is essential to acquire data and document the stock to ensure the development of a sustainable fishery. This will enable us to assess whether it can support more commercial fishing while ensuring the conservation of the resource.
• Aware of signs of increasing lobster abundance in other areas, DFO is actively developing a regional data acquisition plan for other lobster fishing areas. These include Areas 17 and 19, respectively in the Anticosti and northern Gaspésie sectors, for implementation starting in 2025. Working meetings will be scheduled in the near future.

G36 - Capelin Management Approach for Newfoundland and Labrador

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada recognizes the significance of capelin to coastal communities while also recognizing the species as an important forage fish.
• Taking this into consideration, the Department is working to finalize the 2024 management approach for capelin in areas off of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Question 1: How will the Department balance the broad demands of stakeholders regarding the capelin fishery (including what seems to be a disconnect between what harvesters say they see on the water and the science findings on capelin)?

• The Department considers a number of factors in developing the management approaches for the capelin fishery. This includes peer-reviewed science, socio-economic analysis, input from partners nd stakeholder consultations.
• Capelin is an important prey species in the Newfoundland and Labrador ecosystem, and it is also an important source of work and income for plant workers and harvesters. It is essential to consider all of these perspectives and for us to ensure we are making sound decisions to support an economically viable and sustainable capelin fishery.

Question 2: Some stakeholders disagreed with the participation of Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs) in the consultation process. How has the department addressed this?

• The goal of departmental consultations is to promote transparency and ensure broad interests are represented in decision making. Fisheries and Oceans Canada reiterated this to all stakeholder groups, and worked with each to ensure ample opportunity was given to provide input for consideration in the 2024 capelin management approach.

Background

• Capelin is a key forage species, and it is well established that capelin productivity and stock status is critical in supporting higher trophic level predators including marine mammals, seabirds, and larger fish species, particularly Northern cod.
• While industry continues to observe and report an abundance of capelin, this is not an indication of broad stock distribution. It can be a reflection of normal capelin spawning behavior with capelin visible in large spawning aggregations (schools) near shores.
• The management cycle for 2J3KLPs capelin runs from January 1 to December 31. The fishing season occurs from July to August, with landings and activity peaking in July. The 2J3KLPs capelin fishery is harvested by both fixed and mobile gear enterprises in the less than 65’ fleet.
• The March 2024 stock assessment for 2J3KLPs capelin accepted a revised limit reference point (LRP) and the stock is now determined to be out of the critical zone. Additionally, the stock is projected to remain relatively stable for 2024. There are no other reference points in place for this stock at this time. That said, the stock is facing challenges such as late spawning, maturing at earlier ages, and a population that is dominated by relatively young fish.
• The management cycle for 4RST capelin runs from January 1 to December 31 annually. The fishing season occurs from April to July in Quebec, and June and July on the West Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• A Precautionary Approach Framework (PAF) for 4RST capelin has not yet been established; however, work is ongoing to develop a Limit Reference Point (LRP) and will continue in 2025.
• The February 2024 stock assessment indicated that the stock status of the 4RST capelin is uncertain, however, mature biomass index has varied around the time-series average since the mid-2010s and recruitment was relatively higher than the time-series average.

G37 - Tidal Energy

• The Department is working with industry, federal, and provincial partners to advance the responsible development of marine renewable energy, including tidal energy.
• This is why the Government established a Task Force on Sustainable Tidal Energy to explore issues and opportunities associated with the deployment of tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy.
• The Task Force published a final report on February 28, 2024, which describes a number initiatives that can help advance the tidal energy sector, including a 15-year conditional Fisheries Act authorization.
• This Task Force is facilitating greater collaboration between the federal government, the Province of Nova Scotia and members of the tidal industry.

Question 1: How is the Task Force engaging with other implicated partners and stakeholders?

• The Task Force is keeping implicated stakeholders, such as fish harvesters, informed with regular updates. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is engaging with Indigenous peoples through established consultation and engagement processes.

Question 2: What has the Task Force delivered?

• The Task Force’s final report outlines a 15-year conditional Fisheries Act authorization that allows proponents to deploy multiple devices in a staged approach, provided all regulatory conditions are met. The report also describes the workplan for a Risk and Assessment Working Group that will improve collective understanding of environmental monitoring and risk to fish from tidal energy devices.

Background

• In May 2022, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) received an application from Sustainable Marine Energy Canada Ltd. (SMEC) for a Fisheries Act authorization and Species at Risk Act permit in relation to a proposed in-stream tidal energy project. SMEC was proposing to deploy and operate a floating tidal energy device (i.e. platform) of 5 Megawatts, including the installation of three, six, and eventually twelve floating platforms.
• In March 2023, the proponent communicated that they were withdrawing their application, resulting in a pause of DFO’s project review. The proponent identified DFO’s regulatory process as a key factor in its decision. The tidal energy industry and Province of Nova Scotia communicated that they are seeking a clear regulatory path for tidal power development in Canada.
• On June 20, 2023, the then Minister of DFO and the Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced the establishment of a task force on sustainable tidal energy to explore issues and opportunities associated with the deployment of tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy. More specifically, the purpose of the Task Force is to clarify regulatory requirements, improve risk assessment processes, and reduce time for decisions.
• In September 2023, the Task Force published an interim report and continued to engage with interested partners, Indigenous groups and stakeholders. The Task Force is co-chaired by DFO and NRCan and includes members from the Province of Nova Scotia, industry, and research organizations. The Task Force facilitates greater collaboration between the federal government, the province, members of the tidal industry and the tidal research community.
• The Task Force’s final report was released on February 28, 2024 and outlines a revised staged approach for tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy that aligns with the Province of Nova Scotia’s licensing requirements for the FORCE site in the Minas Passage.
• Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, was tabled in the House of Commons in May 2023. Bill C-49 aligns the Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia Accord Acts with the Impact Assessment Act and provides authority for the Offshore Boards to regulate offshore renewable energy projects, such as wind power. It is not clear that these authorities extend to tidal energy projects, as tidal projects are unlikely to occur in the defined offshore area.

G38 - Avon River Tidal Gate/Highway 101 Twinning

• Since 2019, the Department has been working with the province of Nova Scotia on their Fisheries Act application to twin Highway 101, which includes replacing the existing tidal gate structure on the Avon River.
• In January, the Department received information from the province on the project design to support regulatory requirements. The Department will continue the project review, and consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

Question 1: Why is your Department’s review taking so long?

• The Fisheries Act requires the Department to assess the ability of existing and new structures to provide fish passage. Structures built today must comply with modern standards and requirements.
• The Department is currently reviewing, under the Fisheries Act, an application from the Province of Nova Scotia to replace the existing tidal gate structure on the Avon River. The project is being evaluated on its ability to provide fish passage for all fish species likely to use the Avon River.
• Since this proposed structure will be in place for over 50 years it is important to ensure a thorough review as modifications will be difficult once constructed.
• The Department is committed to meaningful consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

Question 2: Will your department consider the impacts to the community that has developed around the area?

• We are very aware of the many perspectives on this project. The Department’s mandate is to review projects to ensure compliance with the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act.
• As the project proponent, the Province of Nova Scotia is responsible for addressing and communicating any potential changes to their operations that may impact current users of the Avon River.

Background

• The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) operates the existing Avon River tidal gates. Since installing the causeway and tidal gate structure in the 1970’s, the controlled elevation of water has provided a source of agricultural and recreational water (Lake Pisiquid) for the surrounding area and helped prevent flooding. However, the structure was not designed, or operated, in a manner that provided effective fish passage for a variety of fish species, including species at risk.
• The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works is twinning the two-lane highway over the existing tidal gates, which are considered at the end of their operational life. This proposed twinning project requires an expansion of the causeway, and includes a proposal to replace the existing tidal gates.
• In 2020, following two years of discussions with the Province of Nova Scotia and consultations with the Mi’kmaq, DFO began issuing Ministerial Orders which directed NSDA to operate the tidal gates in a manner that allows for more natural passage of fish. This resulted in lowering Lake Pisiquid water levels and allowing for some tidal water to enter the Avon River.
• On June 10, 2023, the Department suspended bi-weekly renewal of the MO when, the province of Nova Scotia declared a State of Emergency for the area and directed the refilling of the Lake Pisiquid to support potential wildfire response. The Province of Nova Scotia has actively and publicly stated their desire to maintain this artificial lake.
• The Department has engaged with the province to better understand the need for the State of Emergency and to identify potential options to support Fisheries Act requirements and fire suppression. The province has indicated that there are no alternative options and on March 22, informed the department that it is committed to maintaining the artificial lake.
• Several pieces of correspondence between the province and DFO have been exchanged including recent ones that speak to the timeliness of DFO project reviews and responsibilities for carrying out Indigenous consultation. DFO has clarified that it has made this file a priority, committing to timely project review and to meaningful consultation.
• Consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia is also underway on both the operation of the existing structure, and the proposed new structure. The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia are seeking significant improvements to fish passage.

G39 - Striped Bass

• The striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence has demonstrated a rebound since historic lows in the 1990s.
• We have taken a responsive and incremental approach to increase First Nations access and recreational fishery opportunities for striped bass in the last number of years.
• The recreational fishery for striped bass in the Gulf of St. Lawrence has the highest retention (possession of four striped bass per day) in eastern North America.
• In 2017 the abundance of striped bass peaked and then suffered significant mortality.  In the past 6 years, the population has not returned to those levels.
• Striped bass abundance continues to fluctuate and the population is still in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.

Question 1: Why don’t you reduce the population of striped bass to protect Atlantic salmon?

• Striped bass is a native species to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and will continue to be considered as an integral part of the ecosystem and managed accordingly.
• Although striped bass co-evolved with Atlantic salmon and are known predators of salmon smolts, the current declining trend in wild Atlantic salmon populations is mainly attributed to salmon’s poor marine survival.

Question 2: If striped bass populations are improving, why are temporary closures to the fishery still necessary during the summer?

• Over the last few years, DFO has enforced a temporary closure (5-10 days) of the recreational striped bass fishery in a section of the North West Miramichi River as a conservation measure.
• The closure allows for spawning to occur undisturbed, and is triggered when large concentrations of fish are observed demonstrating spawning behaviour (late May to mid-June).
• Given the lack of information on striped bass fishing efforts across the southern Gulf, the Department needs to achieve a balance between retention opportunities and ensuring a healthy stock.

Question 3: Are striped bass having an effect on the lobster population?

• Striped bass are generalist predators and have been documented consuming lobster.
• However, lobster populations within the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence are at an all-time high and predation by striped bass is not considered a threat.

Background

• The abundance of the striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL) experiences high degrees of fluctuations, from a low of 4,000-5,000 spawners in the late 1990s to a high of over 900,000 in 2017.
• The estimated spawner abundance in 2022 was 471,800 and based on the stock status indicator (eggs in spawners), the sGSL striped bass population is in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach.
• The Miramichi River is the only known successful and consistent spawning location for sGSL striped bass.
• Striped bass is a native species in the sGSL that has co-existed and co-evolved alongside wild Atlantic salmon since the last ice age. These two species occur in different habitats for most of their cycles and only overlap during a limited period in the spring.
• Various interest groups continue to express concerns that striped bass predation on Atlantic salmon smolts is hindering the recovery of Atlantic salmon.
• Striped bass are generalist predators that feed on a variety of marine and estuarine species. In the Miramichi estuary, predation of Atlantic salmon smolts and a variety of other species by striped bass has been documented though smolts are not thought to be targeted explicitly.
• The striped bass, like the Atlantic salmon, is an anadromous species that feeds and grows mainly in the marine environment before returning to freshwater to spawn.
• The complex predator-prey relationship between striped bass and Atlantic salmon is not fully understood: however, trends suggest that striped bass predation is not the determining factor in the abundance of Atlantic salmon.
• Overall, this striped bass and Atlantic salmon interaction is considered natural, localized, and would have occurred. Striped bass predation on Atlantic salmon smolts does not explain the declines in adult salmon returns observed in Gulf Region rivers or elsewhere.
• It is estimated that only one to four percent of smolts return as adults throughout most of its range and at-sea mortality is considered to be a significant factor for the decline of Atlantic salmon.
• Atlantic salmon faces a range of threats and have seen a sharp decline in productivity since 1990 in both North America and Europe. Factors that have or still contribute to declines in salmon abundance include high at-sea mortality, habitat degradation, climate change as well as legal and illegal fishing pressures.

G40 - Establishment of the Arctic Region

• In October 2018, the Government of Canada announced the creation of stand-alone Arctic Regions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• Extensive engagement with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis governments and organizations occurred to ensure that the region’s boundaries, programs, and services delivered reflect the needs and priorities of the communities.
• This regional structure supports Canada and the Department's commitments to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples; cooperation with domestic and international partners; innovation with a northern focus; and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. 
• Through dedicated and ongoing planning capacity, the Department is delivering critical programs and services that are reflective of and responsive to the unique needs of Northern communities. Decision-making and policy implementation is undertaken by the North, for the North, and in the North.
• As of April 2, 2024, leadership for all DFO and CCG programs in the Arctic Region rests with the DFO Arctic and CCG Arctic Regions.

Question 1:  What does the creation of the Arctic Region mean for northerners?

• The creation of stand alone DFO and CCG Arctic Regions responds to a desire from our northern partners to see direction from the north for the north.
• We anticipate the Arctic Regions will lead to additional employment opportunities for Inuit, First Nations and Metis across the Arctic, along with other northerners.
• The Arctic Region will allow for greater focus on Arctic priorities and allow us to work more closely with Indigenous and co-management partners to address these concerns.

Question 2: What are some of the flagship initiatives in the Arctic Region?

• The Marine Conservation Targets for the Arctic are critical to achieving Canada’s marine protection goals. In 2022, the Government announced $800 million to support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the offshore Northern Continental Shelf region, British Columbia and Hudson Bay. These initiatives contribute to the protection and conservation of 30 percent of land and oceans by 2030.
• The National Shipbuilding Strategy brought three new medium icebreakers in 2018; funded six new program icebreakers in 2019; and announced  two new polar icebreakers comingin 2030.
• Since 2017, the Oceans Protection Plan has supported local response capacity and allowed for the expansion of the Arctic Marine Rescue Station in Rankin Inlet.

Background

• In October 2018, the Government of Canada announced the creation of stand-alone Arctic Regions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). After significant consultation with northern Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities, the boundaries of the Regions were announced in March 2020, to include all of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut along with Nunavik (Quebec) and Nunatsiavut (Newfoundland), the Yukon North Slope and Hudson Bay and James Bay. The DFO/CCG Arctic Regions are the first Federal government departments to be inclusive of all of Inuit Nunangat, the territorial home of Inuit.
• The transition of CCG Arctic programs was completed in 2021. Initial DFO Arctic programs were transitioned to the Arctic Region in 2020 and the remaining programs transitioned to report to the Arctic Region as of April 1, 2024.
• Service Delivery Agreements with other DFO Regions will ensure ongoing collaboration and cooperation to deliver the full DFO suite of programs across the Arctic Region.
• DFO plays a unique role in the Arctic, related to DFO’s mandate for the aquatic environment, with the majority of Arctic communities situated along the marine coast, or on other navigable waterways. Fish and marine mammals are a staple of the Northern diet and critical for Arctic food security. These resources also form the basis of renewable economic opportunities for many in the Arctic, in fact, according to the National Indigenous Fisheries Institute, commercial fishing is one of the few economic drivers for communities in many areas of the North.
• CCG Regional Headquarters is in Yellowknife and DFO Headquarters is in Rankin Inlet, with additional offices in Iqaluit, NU, and Inuvik and Hay River, NT.
• In 2021, the Inuit Nunangat DFO-CCG Arctic Committee was established as the formal governance mechanism between DFO and Inuit governments to help guide collaborative engagement and decision-making with respect to program and service delivery priorities and provide an essential platform for effective communication and coordination with Indigenous governments and communities.
• Community Engagement Coordinators have been recruited in a number of communities to foster on-the ground relations between the community and the Department to advance Departmental priorities, including programs and services.
• Meaningful and wide-ranging engagement with Inuit, First Nations and Metis and northern communities has identified priorities for the Regions, including: increasing presence and capacity in the North; using Indigenous Knowledge in decision making; leading policy development from the North; addressing employment barriers and creating new opportunities; adapting to climate change; and addressing infrastructure gaps.
• In 2018, the Arctic Region was allocated initial short-term funding from internal departmental resources along with the transfer of programs and associated funding from other Regions, of which $19.8 million annually is ongoing.
• As April, 2024, DFO Arctic Region has over 100 positions, of which 31 are based in the North. Two DFO Arctic Executive positions are staffed in the north including the Regional Director General, with plans to ensure the majority of leadership positions will be located in the North.
• As of February 2024, CCG’s Arctic Region has 133 active employees, of which 69 employees are based in the North, including one Executive.

G41 - Treaty Negotiations on the West Coast

• The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous groups to explore new, flexible ways of working together to recognize Indigenous rights and self-determination using a variety of measures including negotiating reconciliation agreements and modern treaties as guided by the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for treaty negotiations in British Columbia (which is signed by Canada, BC and First Nations Summit).
• In BC, there are 8 concluded modern treaties containing fisheries chapters, and three concluded reconciliation agreements that contain fisheries provisions, including the Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (2021), Tsilhqot’in Nation Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement (2019), and the Heiltsuk Hailcistut Increment House Post Agreement (2019). There is also the Burrard Inlet Environmental Science and Stewardship Agreement (2021), in partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, as well as several Oceans and Fisheries Reconciliation Framework Agreements (RFAs) involving nations in the North and Central Coast. Efforts are underway to meaningfully implement these agreements.
• DFO continues to be actively involved in multiple treaty and reconciliation negotiations and working towards concluding negotiations in the coming year. The Department is working with Indigenous Peoples at approximately 40 discussion/negotiation tables (Treaty/RIRSD Agreement/Fisheries Reconciliation Agreement negotiations) across British Columbia to explore new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination.
• DFO is prioritizing closing negotiations on over 12 treaties and reconciliation agreements over the next few years by resolving key fish issues, including negotiations at Kitselas and Kitsumkalum, K’ómoks, Te’mexw Treaty Association tables, Lake Babine Nation and Gitanyow.
• The opportunity to conclude negotiations at British Columbia treaty tables and securing comprehensive treaties through the British Columbia Treaty Process in the next few years would be a significant achievement and support better relationships between the Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada.

G42 - Northern (2J3KL) Cod Stock Science

• In March 2024, DFO held a peer review for Northern Cod to assess stock status. The meeting was attended by scientists and resource managers from DFO, academia, province of Newfoundland and Labrador representatives, industry and indigenous groups, and Non-governmental Organizations. Meeting conclusions were agreed upon by consensus during the stock assessment peer-review.
• Results indicated the Northern Cod stock is out of the Critical Zone with the 2024 spawning stock biomass considered to be in the Cautious Zone. However, the stock has not shown growth since 2016, and short-term forecasts indicate growth is not expected over the next three years.
• DFO has a robust science program on Northern cod which is supported by collaboration with the industry in some cases. Examples of science activities conducted include the fall multi species survey, sentinel surveys (industry), aging activities, and research on interactions between cod and capelin as well as between cod and seals.
• The DFO survey was completed earlier than usual in the fall of 2023, as there were three CCG vessels working to complete surveys and also the comparative fishing program (the survey is typically completed using two vessels). Survey timing was discussed during the stock assessment, and it was agreed 2023 survey data was representative of stock size. Following the stock assessment, there has been some criticism of the survey timing and its impact on assessment results. While the early survey may slightly increase the uncertainty of the stock assessment, it is not likely to have considerable impact on 2024 stock size estimates.

Question 1: Was logbook data for northern cod for the years 2020-2023 analyzed and used in the recent stock assessment that was completed in March 2024?

• Yes, logbook data for 2020-2022, and data available for 2023 (logbooks continue to arrive) were analyzed and incorporated in the most recent stock assessment completed in March 2024.

Question 2: What is the impact of seal predation on cod?

• While seals prey on cod, DFO’s research indicates the Harp seal predation is not the primary driver of the Northern cod stock. DFO’s findings indicate that Northern cod dynamics are driven by Capelin.
• Ecosystem factors such as warming waters, a reduction in prey availability, and natural predation also affect Northern cod. There is ongoing research to assess the impacts of ecosystem factors, including seal predation, on Northern cod stocks.
• We will continue to further our understanding of the role of seals in our ecosystem with collaborative science projects with the fishing industry.

Question 3: Why was the model and reference value changed?

• Advances in research has enabled acceptance of a new assessment model in October 2023. This new model includes historical data from 1954-1982, as well as Capelin data. These improvements provide an updated perspective on stock productivity, which allowed for a revision (decrease) to the Limit Reference Point for Northern cod. The Limit Reference Point is the point below which serious harm is occurring for a given stock, and defines the boundary between the critical and the cautious zones in the Precautionary Approach Framework.
• The stock size of Northern cod has been around 300-400 kilotonnes of mature biomass since 2016. While the stock has not changed considerably over this time frame, the lowering of the Limit Reference Point in October 2023 means the stock is now in the Cautious Zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.

Background

• The Northern cod stock  covers NAFO Divisions 2J3KL and includes inshore and offshore waters which extends from the mid Labrador to eastern Newfoundland including a portion of the Grand Bank.
• The 2J3KL Cod stock is a “straddling stock”. The stock occurs in both Canadian domestic waters and in international waters beyond the 200-mile limit which are regulated by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization. 
• The Northern Cod stock was closed to directed commercial fishing in July 1992. Since 2006, the Northern Cod stock has been harvested via inshore stewardship and recreational fisheries.
• There is no formal TAC in the inshore stewardship fishery. Commercial fishers are permitted a fixed annual allowance per license holder.  For the 2023 season, the maximum allowable harvest was 12,999 t.
• Total reported landings in 2023 were 12,998 t from the stewardship fishery,  sentinel surveys, and  by-catch. 
• Most landings are from the inshore stewardship fishery.  Direct estimates of removals from the recreational fishery are unknown; therefore, reported landings are less than total catch. Recreational catch estimates are based on tagging studies and recent estimates are approximately 20% (1,000 t to 2,000 t) of commercial catch (stewardship fishery landings) .
• This stock is on the Sustainability Survey and was prescribed in batch 1 under the new Fish Stock Provisions of the Fisheries Act. However, since the stock is now in the cautious zone, a rebuilding plan is no longer necessary.

Ecosystem Considerations

• The Newfoundland and Labrador bioregion continues to experience overall low productivity as measured by the DFO research survey, with biomass indices well below pre-collapse levels. While groundfish rebuilding has been observed since the mid-2000s, this process has not been continuous, with declines in the late 2010s. Trends over the last five years show improvements from recent lows.    
• Northern cod productivity is linked to Capelin availability. Capelin influences cod condition, mortality, and abundance. Capelin collapsed in 1991 and has yet to recover, with the current stock size around 10% of pre-collapse levels. Capelin is expected to remain at current levels in the short term, impeding cod stock growth.

G43 - Aquaculture – Open Net Pen Transition Plan

• My Department continues to work with the Province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities on developing a responsible plan to transition from open-net pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.
• The vision of the Transition Plan as outlined in the Discussion Framework released in 2022 is to advance innovation and growth in sustainable aquaculture in British Columbia to progressively minimize or eliminate interactions between farmed and wild salmon, while also taking into account social, cultural, and economic objectives.
• The transition is being undertaken in a manner that protects wild salmon, respects the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples, and supports coastal communities and workers.
• I am committed to the development of a responsible, realistic and achievable Transition Plan.

Question 1: What work has Fisheries and Oceans Canada done so far?

• I have met with partners and stakeholders in a series of bilateral meetings and virtual Ministerial Roundtables, as well as a tour of aquaculture sites on Vancouver Island.
• Our government has conducted extensive consultations since 2020. In response to requests from First Nations and others, the time period for consultation on the Transition Plan has been extended, including the release of a Discussion Framework in 2022.
• On March 15, 2024, the Department concluded the 4th phase of the engagement process.
• In the coming months, The Minister will release the Government of Canada’s Transition Plan. Consultation and engagement will take place related to the implementation of this plan.

Question 2: When will the transition plan be finalized?

• The Department is collaborating and engaging with First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, local governments, and key stakeholders on the development and implementation of a responsible transition plan.
• Once a Transition Plan is finalized and published by 2025, the Department will continue to collaborate and engage with partners and stakeholders on its implementation.

Background

• In 2019, and again in 2021, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard was mandated to work with the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) and Indigenous communities on a responsible plan to transition from open-net pen salmon farming in coastal B.C. waters by 2025.
• On July 29, 2022, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released a discussion framework which outlines a proposed vision for transitioning from open-net pen salmon aquaculture in B.C. The proposed framework will help guide engagement with the Province, First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders, and British Columbians.
• A “What We Heard” Report, released May 18, 2023, provides a summary of ideas and perspectives raised during Phases 1 and 2 of engagement.
• In response to requests from First Nations and others, the department has extended the time period for consultation on the transition with all interested parties.
• Phase 3 of engagement (July to September 2023) provided participants the opportunity to review the What We Heard Report and provide their own perspectives on the points raised. DFO anticipates providing an update on the next steps in the engagement process soon.
• The feedback and input received during this engagement will be instrumental in the development of the final Transition Plan.
• Phase 4 of engagement ran from February 16 to March 15, 2024. The purpose of Phase 4 engagement was to receive targeted feedback required in the drafting of the Transition Plan.

Discovery Islands

• In early 2023 former Minister Murray directed the Department not to reissue licences for 15 Atlantic salmon facilities in the Discovery Islands, consistent with a previous decision made by former Minister Bernadette Jordan, and approved reissuance of a small chinook facility.
• In March 2023, DFO received notice of applications for judicial review of that decision by Mowi, Cermaq, Grieg and Wei Wai Kum First Nation (representing both itself and We Wai Kai First Nation). Concurrently, DFO was informed that Mowi, Cermaq, and five tertiary companies filed civil claims against DFO, and two former Ministers of the Department, relating to Ministerial Decisions going back to December 2020.
• The judicial review was heard in Federal Court in December 2023. The civil claims are also currently before the courts.

G44 - Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative

• Pacific salmon populations are in serious decline due to climate change impacts, pollutants, changes in land and water use, and illegal harvesting.
• To meet these challenges, the Government has invested $686 million over five years to implement decisive steps under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.
• Targeted actions to date include the launch of the Pacific Salmon Commercial Licence Retirement Program and extension to the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

Question 1: What actions is the Department taking under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative?

• As of March 31, 2024, the Department has invested $198 million in targeted actions to address Pacific salmon declines, of which $90.9 million was delivered through partners. This included support for new and innovative Indigenous harvesting practices, projects to address severe flooding impacts to south British Columbia salmon habitat, and licence retirements for eligible commercial harvesters.
• During the upcoming fiscal (2024/25), the Initiative will continue to support partners in undertaking habitat restoration, Pacific salmon rebuilding, Indigenous salmon stewardship, and the development of new trilateral governance approaches as part of the federal United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.
• Targeted efforts being made in the Yukon including: exploring the feasibility of an Indigenous-led salmon stewardship centre including a conservation hatchery, First Nations selective salmon fishery programs; and, integrated salmon rebuilding planning.
• The Department has also committed approximately $0.8 million in grants and contributions funding in fiscal year 2023-2024 for First Nations partners and other stakeholders in the Yukon.

Background

• Budget 2021 provided a transformational investment starting in 2021-22, to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to stabilize and conserve wild Pacific salmon populations as part of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI)
• Following the Budget 2021 announcement, the PSSI was launched in June 2021, with the goal of stemming the severe and ongoing decline of key Pacific salmon stocks on Canada’s West Coast and restoring them to a sustainable level for future generations of Canadians.
• This investment of $686 million over five years will focus on implementing initiatives from 2021-22 to 2025-26 and is organized under four pillars: Conservation and Stewardship (habitat and rebuilding-related work); Salmon Enhancement (hatcheries-related work); Harvest Transformation (harvest-related work); and Integration and Collaboration (internal and external integration of planning and collaboration with others). The long-term initiative is unprecedented in both value and scope, and the work will require the efforts of not only the Department, but of those whose lives and interests are affected by the state of Pacific salmon.
• The 2018 Fall Economic Statement reiterated the Government’s commitment to the sustainability of wild Pacific salmon, supporting stock assessment and rebuilding efforts through a renewed Fisheries Act for priority fish stocks, and announcing the launch of the first iteration of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). The federal-provincial joint BCSRIF was officially launched on March 15, 2019 originally allocating $142.85 million over five years: $100 million from Canada and $42.85 million from BC. The second phase of the BCSRIF was announced in August 2022, with an additional $100 million funded via PSSI. This brings the total funding of BCSRIF to $285 million ($85 million from BC), with an extended program end date of March 31, 2026.
• The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has assessed over 40 populations of Pacific salmon to be at risk (Endangered, Threatened, or of Special concern). These populations are under consideration for listing under the Species at Risk Act.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for monitoring the abundance of anadromous salmon stocks in Yukon and works closely with Self-Governing Yukon First Nations to coordinate the administration of First Nation subsistence, recreational and commercial fisheries for Pacific salmon.
• Since 2021, DFO has funded several projects led by Yukon First Nations to support local salmon priorities. PSSI-funded projects in the Yukon include a feasibility study for a salmon stewardship centre including a conservation hatchery, First Nations salmon fishery programs, and integrated stock rebuilding planning. The Government is committed to continuing to advance Pacific salmon conservation, rebuilding and restoration in the Yukon through collaboration with Yukon First Nations and Territorial Governments.
• There are PSSI G&C projects in the Yukon with approximately $0.8M spent by March 31, 2024. Recipients include the Council of Yukon First Nations, West Coast Aquatic, Kwanlin Dun First Nations, and the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee.

G45 - Atlantic Mackerel – Opening of Bait Fishery

• The Atlantic mackerel bait fishery is intended to help licence holders supply their other fisheries with bait without jeopardizing the ongoing rebuilding of this stock.
• The management plan for the 2024 Atlantic mackerel personal-use bait fishery is now being developed with the goal to implement an approach that provides harvesters with viable opportunities across multiple regions.
• Management measures for the bait fishery and the opening date of the fishery will be communicated as soon as possible through a Notice to Fishers.

Question 1: Why have you decided to release this bait quota in two parts?

• By releasing the quota in two parts, it will allow a better opportunity for harvesters in different regions to catch Atlantic mackerel as it migrates through the waters of Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

Question 2: How will this plan enhance scientific knowledge of the Atlantic mackerel stock?

• We are working with harvesters to implement a supplementary data collection regime as even a small fishery represents a good opportunity to improve our knowledge of this stock.

Background

• Atlantic mackerel is a transboundary (Canada and the U.S) migratory stock fished in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) sub-areas 3 and 4. From approximately May to November, these fish migrate through DFO’s four eastern regions.
• Atlantic mackerel is fished for food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) purposes, recreationally, as bait, and as a competitive commercial fishery. In 2021, 753 Canadian enterprises landed mackerel and the total value was $8.6 million. 89 of these enterprises had over 50 per cent dependence, and 52 of those enterprises reported mackerel as their exclusive catch, with an average landed value of $6,757 per enterprise. 
• The stock’s total allowable catch (TAC) has decreased due to stock status concerns since 2009 (historical landings and TACs in Tab 4). In 2022, the commercial and bait fisheries closed due to increased concerns of a depleted stock; however, FSC and recreational fishing continued as their limited removals were not expected to have a large impact on rebuilding. Other removals include: mackerel bycatch (approximately 23 t in 2023), scientific sampling (approximately 20 t), and mackerel bait in the Bluefin tuna rod and reel fishery (approximately 20 t).
• On April 25, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced that a 470 tonne personal use bait fishery would be opened. While products from this fishery cannot be sold, this will help to mitigate the rising costs of bait for other fisheries.
• On April 30, departmental officials convened a meeting of the Atlantic Mackerel Advisory Committee, where members from industry, Indigenous groups, and environmental non-governmental organizations provided views on how best to manage this relatively small quota.
• These views have been gathered and are informing the development of the management approach for the 2024 Atlantic mackerel fishery.

H – Annex – Additional information

H46 - Key Fisheries Management Decisions (Now to May 2024)

H47 - Fisheries Act Review

• The Fisheries Act is one of Canada's oldest pieces of federal legislation dating back to the Confederation. It received Royal Assent in 1868 and became an essential legislative tool in the government's ability to sustainably manage fisheries and protect the habitat that supports them.
• Over the years, the Act has been amended in order to keep up with modern realities, including the most recent amendments from 2019. The new provisions and the stronger protections of the modernized Act aim to better support the sustainability of Canada’s marine resources for future generations.
• With the help of our many partners and stakeholders, the Department is continuing to implement the changes brought forward through the 2019 modernized Act. These changes have contributed to guiding my responsibility as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• I know that the committee has adopted a motion to conduct a review of the Fisheries Act and I look forward to these outcomes, including the insights and experiences from Indigenous communities and organizations, stakeholders, and provinces and territories.
• This examination of the Act will inform directions on how we can continue to advance efforts to protect and sustain Canada's fisheries, maintain vibrant coastal communities, continue to advance reconciliation, and promote the long-term health of our aquatic ecosystems.

H48 - Annual report: administration of sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fisheries Act

• Pursuant to Article 4.3 of the Fisheries Act, the Minister shall, as soon as feasible after the end of each fiscal year, prepare and cause to be laid before each house of Parliament a report on the administration of sections 4.1 and 4.2 in that fiscal year.
• Therefore, as soon as feasible after the end of 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Department will table an annual report on the administration of sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fisheries Act, including the five Rights Reconciliation Agreements concluded this fiscal year with First Nations in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
• In addition, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will send letters to the Clerk of the House of Commons and the interim Clerk of the Senate to present, in both official languages, the 2023-24 Annual Report: Administration of Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Fisheries Act.

H49 - Aquatic Invasive Species QP Note

• Our government understands the importance of protecting Canadian waters and is focused on coordinating efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, and preventing negative impacts to Canada’s biodiversity, economy, and society is a priority for this Government.
• My department works with provinces, territories, Parks Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency to enforce the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, including a focus on preventing prohibited species from entering Canada.

If pressed - New Investments to Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species in Canada

• The 2022 Fall Economic Statement identified $36.6 million over five years to fight aquatic invasive species in Canada.
• Of this funding, $25.6 million will be dedicated to strengthening operations while increasing early detection and response activities, including at international borders, to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering and spreading in Canada.
• The remainder includes $8.75 million in contribution funding to launch the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund to create new partnerships and facilitate on-the-ground preventive actions.

If pressed - Zebra and Quagga Mussels

Prairies

• In the Prairies, zebra mussels are established in the Lake Manitoba watershed, and have been found recently in Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park. We collaborate with prairie provincial governments to ensure a timely and coordinated response in the event that response measures are required in the region.

Funding in British Columbia

• In British Columbia, my department supports the Province’s prevention and early detection efforts for aquatic invasive species by generating scientific advice, conducting risk assessments, and implementing and supporting enforcement actions.
• My department is providing funding of $540,000 from 2023 to 2025 for the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and also contributed over $475,000 in 2022-23 through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Province to support BC’s invasive mussel defense program.

Québec and Eastern Canada

• In eastern Canada, zebra mussels are established in the St. Lawrence River, and were newly detected in Quebec in Lake Massawippi in 2021, and Lake Temiscouata in 2022. Monitoring activities conducted during the summer of 2023 indicate that zebra mussels have potentially been detected in eight other lakes in the Bas-St-Laurent region. We are working with the Provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick and local stakeholders to mitigate the further spread of the species.
• On August 25, 2023, zebra mussels were observed visually at a hydroelectric dam located on the Madawaska River, in Edmundston, New Brunswick. Experts have confirmed that the reported species are zebra mussels. This marks the first confirmed visual detection of live zebra mussels in New Brunswick.

If Pressed - Funding allocation

• Ongoing funding, first available in 2017, is equally allocated to each region for the Aquatic Invasive Species National Core Program.
• The 2022 Fall Economic Statement funding to Fisheries and Oceans Canada is being distributed based on priorities and regional pressures related to aquatic invasive species. This means that not all regions receive the same amount of this funding.
• These new resources are allowing, for example, the Pacific Region to staff new fishery officer positions to support the enforcement of the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. These officers collaborate with the Government of British Columbia, the Yukon government, and the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent the introduction and spread of prohibited species.

If pressed - Invasive Smallmouth Bass in Miramichi Watershed

• The Department issued an authorization to the North Shore Micmac District Council under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations to use a pesticide to eradicate Smallmouth Bass from the Miramichi watershed.
• Pesticide was applied in a section of the Southwest Miramichi River in 2022. In September 2023, the proponent and its partners decided not to proceed further with the project.
• DFO continues to operate a fish barrier at Miramichi Lake and will collaborate with Indigenous communities, federal or provincial organizations, and stakeholders on other proposals submitted to DFO to control smallmouth bass within the system.

If pressed - European Green Crab

• We are concerned by the significant impacts that European Green Crab, found on both coasts of Canada, can have on estuarine and marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture industries. In particular, a sharp increase in catches was observed on the Atlantic coast in the summer of 2023.
• We collaborate with numerous partners including Indigenous governments and communities, provincial governments, and U.S. state and federal governments to address the threats that this species poses.
• My department will continue to lead management activities on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts to mitigate the spread and the impacts of this invasive species.

If pressed - Asian Carps

• In 2017, our government invested $16 million over five years and $4 million ongoing in the Asian Carp Program to ensure Canada’s Great Lakes are protected from the harmful impacts of Asian carps.
• Our government takes a comprehensive preventative approach to addressing the threat of these species, especially Grass Carp, and works collaboratively with U.S., Ontario, and Quebec government partners.
• Asian carps have not established in the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes thanks to organized surveillance and response efforts.

If pressed - Goldfish

• Goldfish, a non-indigenous species, have been released into Canadian waters where they may reproduce and impact ecosystems and native fish species.
• Introducing fish in areas where they are not native is illegal under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, and we will continue to promote education and outreach with the public to prevent introductions of aquatic invasive species.
• The presence of Goldfish in freshwater systems in Canada is an issue that my department is continuing to monitor.

If pressed - Vase tunicate

• Vase tunicate is an invasive species present on the Atlantic coast. Once established, it has negative impacts on aquaculture (e.g. mussels and oysters).
• In Quebec, up to 2021, vase tunicate was only found in Cap-aux-Meules (Magdalen Islands). Since then, it has spread to other marinas of the archipelago.
• We are working with local partners and provinces to slow down the spread of the species throughout the Magdalen Islands’ archipelago, on Prince Edward Island and in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• In Newfoundland and Labrador, my department is working with Harbour Authorities to control expanding Vase Tunicate populations and to prevent spread.

Background

Aquatic Invasive Species

• The Canadian portion of the Sea Lamprey Control Program (SLCP) was established through the Department in 1954, following ratification of the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries. The Convention established the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) as part of a binational commitment to control Sea Lamprey for the protection of Great Lakes fish and fisheries.
• The Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations came into force in 2015 under the Fisheries Act to provide tools for federal action and partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, setting significant expectations regarding Canada’s collective ability to manage aquatic invasive species (AIS). 
• Budget 2017 provided $43.8 million in funding over five years and $10.8 million ongoing for national AIS management to: establish a national core program; expand and make permanent the Department’s Asian Carp program; and, expand the SLCP and increase Canada’s commitment to the GLFC. Budget 2017 increased Canada’s commitment to the GLFC, the coordinating body for the SLCP, from $8.1 million to $10.6 million ongoing.
• The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development conducted an audit of DFO’s AIS efforts to date and released its findings on April 2, 2019. In response, DFO, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and other partners have developed new protocols, tools, and procedures to improve enforcement of the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations at international borders.
• Budget 2022 identified an additional $45 million over five years and $9 million ongoing to enable DFO and the GLFC to increase efforts to control Sea Lamprey, further facilitate collaborative fishery management, and provide additional support to Great Lakes research.
• The 2022 Fall Economic Statement identified $36.6 million in funding over five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for DFO for the expansion of the Aquatic Invasive Species Program.
• Pacific Region - $3,634,358
• Ontario and Prairie Region - $3,854,830
• Quebec Region - $1,688,189
• Maritimes Region - $1,495,123
• Gulf Region - $2,741,482
• Newfoundland and Labrador Region - $928,068
• New investments focus on detecting and responding to imminent AIS invasions, including at international borders, and facilitating on-the-ground action to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of AIS through partnerships. This will contribute to protecting Canada’s ecosystems, economy, and society from the negative impacts of AIS.
• Funding includes $8.75 million in contribution funding for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund (AISPF) from fiscal years 2022-23 to 2026-27.
• In 2022-23, DFO identified $3.3 million dollars in directed funding for the AISPF to help advance eight multi-year projects across Canada.
• The AISPF Call for Proposals closed on August 31, 2023. All applicants have been notified of funding decisions, with several new projects to begin in 2024-25. These projects will aim to increase awareness and action amongst Canadians, including boaters, anglers, aquarium owners, pet stores, and more.

Zebra and Quagga Mussels

• Zebra and Quagga mussels can have significant economic impacts on recreational boaters, municipal and industrial water supplies, and power generation infrastructure. Both species are subject to import prohibitions under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations.
• Since the 1980s, Zebra mussels have been confirmed as established as far west as Lake Manitoba, while Quagga mussels are found in the southern Great Lakes. Both species are also present in the St Lawrence river, Zebra mussels were recently detected in Lake Memphremagog (2020), Lake Massawippi (2021), and Lake Temiscouata (2022), the latter being located in the headwaters of the St John’s River watershed.
• In November 2023, based on the presence of positive Zebra mussel DNA and further exploration of the area, Parks Canada confirmed the presence of live Zebra mussels in the Boat Cove area of Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba. Efforts to determine the extent of the infestation are ongoing.
• In August 2023, the first visual detection of Zebra mussels confirmed their presence in the Madawaska River along a hydroelectric dam in the city of Edmundston, New Brunswick. DFO is collaborating with the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, and with non-governmental organizations to educate and inform the public of the importance of properly cleaning, draining and drying all boating equipment and watercrafts before transferring them from one body of water to another to prevent the spread of Zebra mussels.
• Since 2022, DFO has operated a watercraft inspection and decontamination station at the Emerson international port-of-entry in southern Manitoba. This program was initiated to test the procedures and tools necessary for using the AIS Regulations and other legislative tools to improve biosecurity at international borders. In collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency, DFO has now inspected over 1400 watercraft for compliance under requirements set out in the AIS Regulations and to prevent the introduction of AIS, particularly invasive mussels, into Canada.
• In March 2021, Zebra mussels were found in moss ball products, a type of aquarium plant product made of green algae. DFO led national emergency response activities with the CBSA and provincial and territorial partners to stop the import and distribution of infested moss ball products across Canada. DFO collaborated with e-commerce platforms to block the sale of moss balls by third party sellers on their platforms.
• DFO provides funding for a number of initiatives focusing on invasive mussels:
• DFO contributed $500,000 over four years in 2018 to invasive mussel prevention.
• DFO contributed $1,300,000 over four years starting in 2019 through the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.
• DFO contributed over $475,000 to BC’s invasive mussel defense program in 2022-23 through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Province of BC.
• DFO committed up to $540,000 from 2023 to 2025 for the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation  to support the ongoing work of the Province of British Columbia’s existing Invasive Mussel Defense Program

Miramichi Lake and River

• Smallmouth Bass is a predator and competitor of Atlantic Salmon discovered in 2008 in the area.
• DFO maintains barriers to prevent Smallmouth Bass from escaping Miramichi Lake and annually invests approximately $50,000 on different physical methods for capturing Smallmouth Bass.
• DFO authorised a chemical eradication project in 2021; however, the proponent was met with opposition from community groups and cottage owners throughout 2021 and 2022.
• On September 8, 2022, the proponent completed the first phase of the chemical eradication project by applying rotenone in the Southwest Miramichi river, downstream from Lake Miramichi. On September 29, 2023, a regional working group, including the proponent, issued a statement that the project will not proceed.
• DFO continues to operate a fish barrier at the Miramichi Lake discharge to prevent the spread of smallmouth bass into the Miramichi river system, and will review other proposals that may be submitted to control smallmouth bass in Miramichi Lake using pesticides.

European Green Crab

• European Green Crab (EGC) consumes and/or competes with indigenous species such as shellfish, crabs, and lobsters and disrupts estuarine habitats such as eelgrass and saltmarsh.
• DFO continues to provide funding and work with multiple partners in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) to control EGC, including Indigenous groups (Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association), academia (Marine Institute), and ENGOs (Northeast Avalon ACAP). The NL Region also has a successful voluntary control licence program where members of the public can apply to trap for EGC.
• In BC, EGC were first discovered in 1998. DFO has partnered with multiple Indigenous and stewardship groups and others to determine the extent of the invasion, seek evidence of establishment, and develop and implement management and response plans, including providing subject matter expertise, and funding from the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund to the Coastal Restoration Society, Council of the Haida Nation  and Heiltsuk Nation; $15.7 million has been allocated until 2026

AIS as Bait

• Indigenous groups, commercial fishers, non-governmental organizations and others are interested in using AIS.  The use of AIS is a tool to control the spread of AIS, to reduce pressures on wild stocks, and to create new food sources.  Since 2010, a commercial fishery was created in Nova Scotia to capture European Green Crab (EGC) and allow its use as lobster bait. The decision to support the use of AIS is not meant to create sustainable fisheries.
• Decisions related to the use of AIS must be taken with caution, to avoid negative impacts such as increasing the spread of an invasive species. DFO is drafting a timely and nationally conhesive process which will allow the Department to take judicius decisions when evaluating, for example, which type of fishing licences are most appropriate for the control and use of marine invasive species.
• DFO is exploring different options with regards to the potential uses of marine AIS, such as food, bait, compost or pet food while taking into account: the need for going management and control of marine invasive species; the Government of Canada’s commitments to fisheries and biodiversity management; and, economic opportunities for coastal communities.

H50 - Scientific Processes and Excellence at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (QP Note)

• My Department ensures high standards of scientific excellence, impartiality, and transparency in its scientific activities including scientific peer review.
• I rely on that science on a daily basis and have every confidence in the integrity of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s scientists.
• DFO does not comment on matters related to personnel, however we take any instance where allegations of misconduct are received seriously. This includes our full cooperation when requests are received from the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada.

If pressed on recent allegations

• As a science-based department, scientific integrity is at the very foundation of the work of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and its employees. It guides our science processes, shapes how we work with others and how we generate science advice to best inform decision making for the benefit of Canadians.
• My Department continues to take concrete steps to ensure transparent, impartial, and evidence-based peer review and scientific advice.
• We take any instance where allegations of misconduct are received seriously, including from outside parties. However, it would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases.

If pressed on integrity and transparency

• Scientific integrity guides Departmental science processes, shapes how the Department works with others and how it generates science advice to inform decision making for the benefit of Canadians.
• My Department is proud to have implemented a Policy on Science Integrity which is fundamental to making the right decisions for Canada’s fisheries and oceans.
• Departmental scientists collaborate with partners across the country and throughout the world. This collaboration contributes to scientific excellence within the Department, expands the breadth of available knowledge and expertise, and helps to form a sound and credible science basis for decision-making.
• The Department is committed to open science and communicating the results of our research to Canadians to ensure that they are well informed about issues that are key priorities and of public interest.
• The Department is continuously reviewing its science processes to ensure objective, impartial, evidence-based science. 

Background

• As a science-based Department, scientific integrity is essential to the work at DFO and of its employees. Scientific integrity is critical to the decision-making process, from the planning and conduct of research to the production of advice and the application of advice to the Departmental decision-making processes.
• This Scientific Integrity Policy recognizes the importance of high quality science, free from political, commercial and client interference and the importance of this in the decision-making processes utilized by the Department. The Policy applies to all who plan, produce, support or utilize science to make well-informed decisions.
• The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) coordinates the production of peer-reviewed science advice for DFO. Science advice is prepared both nationally and through DFO’s regional offices.
• CSAS provides a systemic process for the delivery of science advice to the Department’s decision makers. Advice might relate to the state of an ecosystem or aquatic resources, the impacts of a human activity, the effectiveness of a mitigation strategy or another subject related to DFO’s mandate.