Tab C – Overviews

Machinery of Government
The role of the Minister and the Department within the broader machinery of government

Purpose

To provide an overview of key Government of Canada machinery relevant to your role as the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.

• Government by Cabinet: How does Cabinet relate to ministerial decision making?
• Memoranda to Cabinet: What are they and what is the process for bringing one forward for Cabinet consideration?
• Legislation and Regulations: How are legislation and regulations made?
• Budget Cycle: How does the Budget relate to the Government’s priorities?
• Treasury Board Submissions: What are they and how is government spending authorized?
• Main and Supplementary Estimates: What is required for Ministers to proceed with their approved spending plans?
• Central Agencies: What is their mandate and role in these machinery of government processes?

Government by Cabinet

About Cabinet

• Cabinet, the collective of Ministers as determined by the Prime Minister, sets the federal government’s policies and priorities for the country
• The Governor General appoints the members of Cabinet on the advice of the Prime Minister (PM). There is no required size of Cabinet
• Typically, numerous Cabinet committees are created to consider policy proposals for recommendation to full Cabinet, as chaired by the PM

How Cabinet Works

• The PM and ministers make decisions on government policy and initiatives.
• Cabinet considers proposals brought forward by Ministers in the form of Memoranda to Cabinet (MC).
• Cabinet discussions and materials are confidential, as ministers must be able to express their views freely and frankly
• Once Cabinet has agreed on a decision, ministers must support that decision in public. This is known as Cabinet solidarity

Ministers’ Roles

• Participate in one or several Cabinet committees, as assigned by the PM
• Bring forward proposals to Cabinet to consider, for issues under your purview
• Discuss proposals at Cabinet, and make decisions together with your colleagues

How does DFO support you at Cabinet?

The Department prepares your Cabinet documents and briefing material on items being presented to Cabinet and Committee meetings you attend, including departmental considerations and speaking points, when relevant.

Memoranda to Cabinet

MCs are the key decision-making documents for Cabinet. An MC is developed when a Minister seeks a Cabinet decision (i.e. secure policy authorities, new fiscal resources, or new legislation). MCs are brought forward by individual Ministers, or by several ministers working together.

1. Department develops MC
2. Departmental approvals
3. Minister’s signature
4. Submission to PCO
5. Cabinet

Ministers typically bring forward MCs when they wish to:

• advance a new policy or initiative
• implement priorities (e.g. Speech from the Throne, Budget) or at the PM’s request
• propose a substantive change to an existing program or policy
• advance a proposal that implicates other Ministers’ responsibilities, other jurisdictions, or that may be controversial; and
• submit legislative proposals to Parliament or respond to a parliamentary committee or to private members’ bills or motions.

How does DFO support you in developing MCs?

The Department works with your office and other parts of the government to develop options for addressing the policy issue or problem, and outlines key considerations. Advice provided by the public service is confidential and protected by Cabinet Confidence.

Central Agencies (see Annex) play a key role in making sure MCs are high quality (including MC format). They brief the PM, Minister of Finance, and President of the Treasury Board on all proposals. PCO also briefs the Chair of each Cabinet committee.

Ministers typically present MCs to a Cabinet committee for focused discussion. Then the MC moves to full Cabinet for ratification.

MCs provide policy approval for a given initiative. However, MCs do not provide funding, nor can they be used to make machinery of government decisions (e.g., create a new department).

Machinery of Government decisions are the exclusive purview of the PM.

Funding decisions are made by the PM and the Minister of Finance in the context of the annual Budget exercise or through an Off-Cycle Request.

Legislative Development Process

The Cabinet Stage

1. Proposed government policy
2. Informal and ad hoc review and consultation
3. Preparation of Memorandum to Cabinet
4. Cabinet committee considers the Memorandum to Cabinet and prepares a report
5. Cabinet ratifies the committee’s report
6. Department of Justice drafters prepare the bill
7. The bill is reviewed by the minister of the sponsoring department and by the Government House Leader
8. Notice of intent from Government House Leader to introduce bill in Parliament

The Parliamentary Stage

1. Introduction and first reading
2. Second reading
3. Committee stage
4. Report stage
5. Third reading
   • When the bill passes these 5 steps in the House of Commons or Senate, it goes to the other chamber
   • When the bill passes these 5 steps in the second chamber, it is almost law
   • When the bill receives Royal Assent, it becomes law

How does DFO support you in developing legislation?

The Department will support you through the entire legislative process by: securing policy authority (drafting MC); prepare legislation based on the MC’s drafting instructions with the Department of Justice; preparing materials for use in explaining the bill to parliamentarians; supporting your introduction and presentation of the bills through Parliamentary Committees.

Governor in Council and Ministerial Regulations

Governments use regulations, which are laws, in combination with other instruments to achieve public policy objectives. The Treasury Board Committee (Governor in Council, (GiC)), ministers, and administrative agencies are given the authority to make regulations through legislation passed by Parliament. The Department utilizes two types of regulations: GiC and Ministerial.

Policy Development

• GiC regulations require TB approval; Ministerial regulations are targeted regulations under the authority of a Minister for discrete issues under the purview of that Minister.
• Policy development and analysis
• Ministerial approval of policy intent/stakeholder engagement Plan
• Consultations and impact analysis

Proposed Regulations Canada Gazette, Part I

• Development of regulations and supporting documents
• Ministerial approval of the proposed regulatory package
• Approval of the proposed regulatory package by Treasury Board Committee (GiC)*
• “Pre-publication” for public comment
• Consideration of comments received and finalization of regulation

Final Regulations Canada Gazette, Part II

• Ministerial approval of the final regulatory package
• Approval of the proposed regulatory package by Treasury Board Committee (GiC)*
• GiC regulations are signed by the Governor General
• Publication as final

*Required for GIC Regulations. For Ministerial regulations, approval by the Minister is required.

Legislation and regulations are linked:

• Parliament creates legislation which provides the authority to create regulations
• A regulation must strictly conform to the limits established by the legislation that authorizes it and
• Most legislative schemes depend on regulations to function

How does DFO support you in developing regulations?

The Department develops regulatory proposals, engages stakeholders on the proposed regulatory approaches, and collaborates with the Department of Justice to draft legal text.

Parliamentary Appearances

• DFO is associated with two main Parliamentary committees: the House of Commons and Senate standing committees on Fisheries and Oceans. On occasion, DFO will participate in other committees when it is an area of interest for the Department.
• Generally, you will be invited to appear before a committee for Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (House only) and any piece of legislation which you have sponsored (House and Senate).

How does DFO support you?

The Department coordinates your appearances at committees and develops briefing materials for you and your officials.

Question Period/Written Questions/Petitions

• Question Period occurs each sitting day in the House and is an opportunity for Members to seek information from the Government and to call it to account for its actions.
• Members of both chambers may request answers to written questions from Ministers seeking detailed, lengthy or technical information relating to public affairs.
• Petitions, signed by Canadian residents and tabled in the House by Members, are used to draw attention to an issue of public interest and request action.

How does DFO support you?

The Department provides information for your use in question period and works with your office to provide responses to written questions and petitions.

Parliamentary Secretary

• Parliamentary secretaries are members of Parliament from the governing party who are appointed by the Prime Minister to assist Cabinet ministers with their parliamentary duties – they are not members of the Ministry and therefore do not play a formal role in the Cabinet decision-making process.
• The responsibilities of the Parliamentary Secretary generally fall into two broad categories: (1) House business and (2) department-related duties.
  1. House business includes attending Question Period, steering the Minister’s legislation, and supporting the Minister on committee issues and appearing before parliamentary committees.
  2. Department-related duties include engaging Canadians and representing Canada internationally. For example, a Parliamentary Secretary may represent the Minister at public events, deliver speeches on behalf of the Minister, and attend international meetings at the Minister’s request.

Appointments

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is responsible for 124 appointments to 31 organizations:

• 29 Governor in Council (GiC) appointments to eight organizations; and
• 101 ministerial discretionary appointments to 23 organizations

1. Notice of Appointment Opportunity
2. Competitive Selection Process
3. Candidate Evaluation
4. Recommendation of Candidate(s)
5. Appointment(s) made by Minister or GiC

Governor in Council Appointments (current process)

1. Notice of Appointment Opportunity is developed with Privy Council Office (PCO) and approved by the Minister
2. Competitive advertised selection process administered by a Selection Committee comprised of representatives from PCO, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Minister’s Office, and the Department
3. Selection Committee provides an Advice Letter to the Minister with a roster of qualified candidates
4. Minister recommends candidate(s) for appointment to the GiC through an Order in Council (OiC)
5. Cabinet approval of OiC

Ministerial Discretionary Appointments (current process)

1. Notice of Appointment Opportunity is developed
2. Competitive advertised selection process is administered
3. Department provides an assessment of candidates and recommends candidate(s) for appointment
4. Ministerial approval of appointment

Exemptions from a competitive process are permitted for positions reserved for departmental representatives; provincial and territorial representatives; and, Indigenous representatives.

How does DFO support you?

The Department designs the Notice of Appointment Opportunity, guides the selection process, and provides highly qualified candidates for your consideration.

The Budget Cycle

The annual Budget outlines planned government spending, expected revenue, and forecasts economic conditions for the upcoming year.

It is an opportunity for the government to demonstrate concrete actions on its commitments.
To respond to unforeseen and extraordinary circumstances, funding proposals can be submitted to the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance outside of the annual Budget process as off-cycle funding requests.

The Government also usually has a Fall Economic Statement.

1. Minister of Finance submits a letter to Ministers requesting proposals to be considered for inclusion in the next Budget
2. Ministers respond to the letter with proposals
3. Minister of Finance and Prime Minister decide which proposals will be included in the Budget
4. The Budget is tabled in Parliament and a public announcement is made by the Minister of Finance
5. The Budget Implementation Act is tabled. This is used to implement certain provisions of the Budget after it is tabled in Parliament
6. Main Estimates are tabled. These outline the resources required by each department and agency for the upcoming fiscal year
7. Supplementary estimates are tabled, which outline incremental funds for initiatives not sufficiently developed in time for the Main Estimates, as well as additional authorities being sought

How does DFO support you?

The Department works with your office and Finance Canada to develop proposals for your consideration. You can then choose from these proposals when responding to the Minister of Finance.            

Treasury Board (TB) Submissions

TB is a Cabinet committee that reviews and approves proposals related to spending, personnel, procurement, transfer payments, IT projects, and regulations. TB is comprised of the President of the Treasury Board, the Minister of Finance, and 4 additional cabinet Ministers.
Treasury Board Submissions are official Cabinet documents seeking specific authorities or approvals from TB.

• To access previously approved funding
• To enter into a contract or undertake a project above the department’s authority
• To obtain approval of an investment plan
• To implement new TB Policies, revise existing policies, or delegate related authorities
• To name members to Departmental Audit Committees
• To obtain authority to create or amend Terms and Conditions

How does DFO support you?

The Department works with Treasury Board Secretariat to ensure that proposals are well-substantiated, sustainable, and aligned with the Department’s mandate. Typically Ministers do not present proposals to TB.

Main and Supplementary Estimates

Main estimates provide a breakdown, by department and agency, of planned government spending for the coming fiscal year.

• This information is included as a schedule to the Appropriation Act which authorizes government spending. These are required for Parliament to approve for the Government to proceed with its spending plans.

Supplementary estimates present information to Parliament on the Government’s spending requirements that were not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the main estimates.

• These will sometimes include urgent but unforeseen expenditures and directly support the Appropriation Act.

Parliamentary Approval

Funding cannot flow until Parliament grants its approval of the Estimates by passing the related Appropriation Bill. Once Parliamentary Approval is obtained, the organization can begin to spend money approved for the new initiative.

How does DFO support you?

The Department works with the Treasury Board Secretariat to ensure that the information included in the Estimates aligns with Treasury Board approved authorities.

Annex: Central Agencies

Privy Council Office (PCO)

• Acts as the Secretariat to the Cabinet
• Supports the Prime Minister in strategic policy planning, coordinating the government’s policy objectives, and managing major issues
• Advises the Prime Minister on exercising his prerogative for the composition of Cabinet and its committees, machinery of government, as well as on funding decisions (e.g., Budget)
• Challenges departmental MCs to ensure they meet the needs of Cabinet and that they are consistent with the Government’s overall policy direction

Department of Finance (FIN)

• Advises the Minister of Finance on tax policy, financial sector policy, international trade and finance, and federal-provincial fiscal arrangements
• Supports the Minister of Finance in developing the annual budget, where it establishes a fiscal framework within which the government’s expenditure system can operate effectively
• Provides input on MCs as they are being developed

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)

• TBS serves as the Secretariat for Treasury Board and assists the Treasury Board in fulfilling its responsibilities
• Oversees the management of budget and credits and plays a coordinating role in the preparation of the expenditure budget
• Acts as the employer, expenditure authority, and general manager for most of the public service
• Provides input on MCs as they are being developed

Financial Outlook

Fall 2021

Overview

DFO is a highly decentralized department composed of approximately 13,000 public servants across the country.

• Workforce: Of the approximate 13,000 FTEs projected for 2021-22 (including close to 6,000 in Coast Guard), over 80% of employees are located outside of the National Capital Region.
• Asset Base: Capital intensive department comprised of approximately 36,000 assets. It is inthe top five of the largest capital asset bases for all federal departments.
• Coast Guard: Special Operating Agency with a fleet of 117 vessels, 1000 small crafts and 22 helicopters.
• Regional Presence: DFO/CCG has over 350 work locations and one of the largest federal government property portfolios.

Key initiatives for 2021-22

Fish Harvesters Benefit: Funding provides immediate assistance to harvesters affected by COVID-19 through increased liquidity and much needed upfront capital to ensure that operations can begin, or continue, in the 2021 fishing season ($141M in 2021-22 only).

Indigenous program funding: Funding has been received for the provision of fisheries access, vessels and gear, and funds to support government and Indigenous capacity to co-develop and implement reconciliation agreements ($182M over 10 years beginning in 2020-21and $99M for remaining years from 2030-31 to 2044-45).

Coast Guard fleet recapitalization: Coast Guard fleet recapitalization: In addition to the funding received to recapitalize the fleet, the Department has also secured important funding for interim measures required to maintain current service levels until new vessels are delivered (four interim icebreakers in addition to $2.1B between 2020-21 and 2051-52 to prolong the life of existing vessels).

Budget 2021

Budget 2021 provided DFO / CCG with a number of significant investments across a range of departmental business lines.

DFO Investments

• Budget 2021 provided $2.25 billion in incremental funding over five years, including:
  • $896M for Marine Conservation Targets and $163M for Nature Legacy to achieve a 25% marine and land conservation targets by 2025
  • $647M for the Pacific Salmon Strategy to stabilize and conserve wild Pacific salmon populations
  • $300M to support priority Small Craft Harbours projects
  • $109M to extend Emergency Towing lease arrangements on the West Coast

Budget 2021 also committed $12.2B over 24 years to ensure the completion of the full renewal
of the Coast Guard fleet.

Annexes

Total Planned Authorities

Description

• 2011-12 to 2019-20 authorities represent year-end authorities, as per Public Accounts
• Does not reflect renewal of some temporary programs

Some funding initiatives are time-limited and subject to future funding decisions. Initiatives such as the Fish Harvesters Benefit Program, Modernization of the Fisheries Act and the Program Icebreaker project will see a decrease to their funding profiles in the next few years, resulting in a return to more normal authority levels for DFO.

Description

Resources – Aligning to results

• Marine operations and response 37%
• Fisheries 35%
• Marine navigation 8%
• Aquatic ecosystems 8%
• Internal services 6%
• Real property 6%

Vote 1 – Planned Operating

Description

• Does not reflect renewal of some temporary programs

Salary makes up approximately 57 per cent of operating spending.

With fluctuating funding profiles and ending of temporary programs over the next two to three years, HR planning is critical to ensure there is no impact on the Department’s ability to deliver.

With DFO having one of the largest asset bases in the Government, close to 55 per cent of non-salary spending in 2021-22 is planned on professional or special services and about 18 per cent on repairs and maintenance primarily to support the asset base.

Description

Resources – by standard object

• Professional and special services 55%
• Purchased repair and maintenance 18%
• Utilities, materials and supplies 12%
• Transportation and communications 9%
• Rentals 3%
• Other subsidies and payments 3%

Vote 5 – Planned Capital

Description

• A-Base authorities refer to the department’s permanent/ongoing funding, while B-Base authorities reflect temporary funding sources.
• Does not reflect renewal of some temporary programs

Total capital authorities of $1,155.7M are anticipated for 2021-22.

Over 89 per cent of DFO’s capital budget is for investments in the Coast Guard fleet, small craft harbours and real property portfolio.

DFO received a significant influx in funding to invest in key assets over the last three years (e.g., Coast Guard fleet renewal, Comprehensive Review, small craft harbours, Oceans Protection Plan).

Coast Guard fleet renewal remains at the forefront of our priorities. Since 2005, approximately $40.0B in fleet investments have been committed in the fiscal framework.

DFO is in the process of adopting an accrual budgeting initiative, based on the asset lifecycle replacement methodology.  This will provide predictable capital funding and ensure the proper support of its asset portfolio.

Description

Resources – capital by asset type

• CCG – Fleet 73%
• CCG – Operations 9%
• Ecosystems and oceans science 1%
• Small craft harbours 5%
• Fisheries and harbours management (excl. SMH) 0%
• Real property 11%
• Information technology 0%
• Other 1%

Vote 10 – Planned Grants and Contributions

Description

• A-Base authorities refer to the department’s permanent/ongoing funding, while B-Base authorities reflect temporary funding sources.
• Does not reflect renewal of some temporary programs

Total Grants and Contributions anticipated authorities for 2021-22 are $1,173.4M

Authorities have increased significantly since 2019-20, largely due to funding for Reconciliation Agreements. This funding will begin to level off in 2022-23.

Temporary funding sources make up a large portion of the new funding.  Notable programs funded in this way include the Trans-Mountain Pipeline, the support of self-employed fish harvesters affected by COVID-19, and Reconciliation Agreements.

Grants represent approximately 12 per cent of the total Vote 10 authorities for 2021-22, of which the large majority is attributed to payments for Fish Harvesters in Canada affected by COVID-19.

Based on our 2021-22 Main Estimates, the Department has 20 Transfer Payment Programs – with the largest recipients consisting of Indigenous organizations, associations focused on conservation and research organizations.

Description

• G&C by recipient type
• Indigenous 48%
• Conservation 21%
• Coast Guard support 4%
• Research 22%
• Port authority 2%
• Other 3%

Overview of DFO and CCG Regions

DFO Administrative Regions

Text version

The Arctic Region is inclusive of the Yukon North slope, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Hudson and James Bay. This boundary is inclusive of Inuit Nunangat.

The Pacific Region consists of British-Columbia and Yukon, minus the Yukon slope.

The Ontario and Prairie Region consists of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The Quebec Region consists of Quebec, minus the Nunavik region in northern Quebec.

The Gulf Region extends from the New Brunswick-Quebec border to the northern tip of Cape Breton.

The Maritimes Region extends from the northern tip of Cape Breton to the New Brunswick-Maine border

The Newfoundland and Labrador Region consists of Newfoundland and Labrador, minus the Nunatsiavut region in Labrador.

DFO – Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Region

Regional HQ & Lab Facilities

• St. John’s, NL

Three Area Offices

• Grand Falls-Windsor
• Corner Brook
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay

18 Conservation & Protection (C&P) detachments and satellite offices.
Key Priorities:

• Rebuilding plans to support sustainable and commercially viable fisheries (e.g. 3Ps cod)
• Implementing a Precautionary Approach for Snow Crab in consultation with industry
• Advancing Marine Spatial Planning in collaboration with the Government of NL

The region has 742 employees and an operating budget of $118.6 million. Responsibilities include part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and three international boundaries: Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area; Saint-Pierre et Miquelon (France); and, Greenland.

• Province of NL has 29,000 km of coastline and ~18% of Canada’s total ocean area
• Three Marine Protected Areas and 11 Marine Refuges towards Marine Conservation Targets
• 334 small craft harbours and approximately 4,000 active fishing vessels
• Approximately 15,000 individuals employed by the fishery and aquaculture sectors
• Total landed value of the commercial fishery was $600 million in 2020; expected to be substantially higher in 2021 due to high Snow crab and lobster landed prices
• Top commercial species include Snow crab, shrimp, and lobster
• Total value of aquaculture in 2020 was $96 million (86 per cent from salmonids)

DFO – Maritimes Region

Regional HQ

• Dartmouth, NS

Three Area Offices

• Sydney, NS
• Yarmouth, NS
• St. George, NB

Two Research Institutes

• Bedford Institute of
• Oceanography
• St. Andrews Biological Station

+ 19 C&P sites, two biodiversity facilities.

Key Priorities:

• Advancing rights, treaty recognition and reconciliation through a coordinated strategy
• Advancing marine spatial planning
• Promoting partnerships and collaboration on ocean research and management
• Delivering the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund

The region has approximately 990 employees and an operating budget of $94.5 million. It accounts for 43% of the total landed value of Canada’s commercial fisheries.

• Eastern and southwest Nova Scotia, and southwest New Brunswick
• Three MPAs: The Gully; Musquash Estuary; and, St. Anns Bank
• + Two Areas of Interest (AOI) and an advanced bioregional conservation network
• 177 small craft harbours and 3,100 active vessels
• Approximately 12,300 fish harvesters and a total landed value of ~$1.53 billion (2019)
• Top three species: lobster ($968 million); scallop ($164 million); snow crab ($90 million);
• Total value of aquaculture production (2019): $288 million

DFO – Gulf Region

Regional HQ

• Moncton, NB

Three Area Offices

• Tracadie, NB
• Antigonish, NS
• Charlottetown, PEI

Three Research Facilities

• Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre
• National Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory
• Federal facility for live aquatic animal health research

+ 8 C&P Detachments & 11 Sub-detachments

Key Priorities:

• Balancing the protection of endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW) with stakeholder relationships
• Advancing negotiations/dialogue with Indigenous communities to improve fisheries access
• Conservation of the wild Atlantic Salmon

The region has 556 employees and an operating budget of $70.7 million. It has one of the country’s most productive marine areas with 30 commercially fished species.

• 7,000 km of coastline, and includes waters adjacent to New Brunswick’s eastern coast, the Northumberland Strait coast of Nova Scotia, western Cape Breton Island, and Prince Edward Island
• 119 SCHs and approximately 4,000 registered fishing vessels        
• One MPA: Basin Head
• Approximately 11,590 fish harvesters and a total landed value of $513.7 million (2020)
• Top species: lobster ($325 million); snow crab ($160 million)
• Total value of aquaculture production (2019): $70.5 million (mussels and oysters are the two main species being cultured)

DFO – Quebec Region (QC)

Regional HQ

• Quebec City, QC

Three Area Offices

• Sept-Îles
• Gaspé
• Cap-aux-Meules

+five district offices in Côte-Nord and Gaspésie

One Research Institute

• Maurice Lamontagne Institute

Key Priorities:

• Advancing Indigenous Reconciliation through consultations, rights-based reconciliation agreements negotiation/implementation, and collaborative development
• Implementing marine protected areas (MPAs) in partnership with the QC government
• Mitigating potential impacts on marine mammals and market access through the ghost gear initiative and implementation of protection measures for endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW)

The region has 588 employees and an operating budget of $93.0M It manages the Quebec Fisheries Fund.

• Province of Quebec and a large part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• 91 SCHs, where 90% of region’s commercial fisheries are landed
• One MPA: Banc-des-Américains
• Approximately 1,000 active fish harvesters and a total landed value of $271 million (2020)
• Top three species: lobster ($114 million); snow crab ($104 million); shrimp ($26 million)
• Total value of aquaculture production (2019): $12.3 million

DFO – Ontario and Prairie Region

Regional Offices

• Sarnia, ON
• Burlington, ON
• Winnipeg, MB

Local Offices

• Edmonton, Regina, Sault Ste. Marie

Three Research Institutes

• Canada Centre for Inland Waters
• Freshwater Institute
• Sea Lamprey Control Centre

Key Priorities:

• Freshwater
  • Canada Water Agency
    • Freshwater Strategy
• Protecting biodiversity
• Strengthening federal, provincial, Indigenous collaboration to protect ecosystem health
• Increasing role in freshwater and transboundary water science within the Canada- Ontario and Great Lakes Water Quality Agreements
• Providing services to the Arctic Region

The region has 600 employees, located in four provinces, with a focus on protecting aquatic biodiversity in the south.

• 18% of world’s freshwater
• 57% of Canada’s GDP
• 63% of pop’n
• 63% of First Nations and
• 65% of Metis populations in Canada
• 155 small craft harbours, supporting commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing
• 46% of DFO’s total* Fish and Fish Habitat Protection files; numerous major projects (e.g., Baffinland iron ore mine; Keeyask hydroelectric generating station); 55 SARA-listed species; AIS prevention/control
• Total value of aquaculture production (south, 2017): $45 million
• Direct expenditures attributable to recreational fishing (2015): over $1.4 billion
• Total landed value of commercial fishing (2018): $74 million (Great Lakes - $42M; FFMC - $32M)

DFO –Arctic Region

Regional HQ

• Rankin Inlet, Nunavut

Additional Offices

• Iqaluit, NU
• Yellowknife, NWT
• Hay River, NWT
• Inuvik, NWT

The region consists of the Yukon North Slope, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Hudson and James Bay

Key Priorities:

• Ongoing development of the Region (e.g. governance)
• Development of a HR Recruitment and Retention Strategy
• Transition of additional programs to Arctic Region, including Science
• Co-development of Nunavut Fishery Regulations
• GOC Approval of Nunavut Land Use Plan

The region has 85 employees and an operating budget of $15 M - both expected to more than double in the coming year*. Staff in the NWT, Nunavut, and the south. Strong push for additional offices in Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.

• ~ 175,000 km of coastline
• Creation of region advances reconciliation
• Co-management under land claims
• Three MPAs:
  • Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam
  • Tarium Niryutait
  • Tuvaijuittuq
• 4 small craft harbours
  • 2 new harbours in design/ construction
• Support for 2 new TC harbours
• Total landed value of commercial fishing (2018): ~$194 million
• Top species: Greenland Halibut and shrimp (2018): combined value of $188 million
• Subsistence fishing is culturally and economically important.
• Species: Arctic char; seal; walrus; beluga; narwhal

*Permanent on-going funding and FTEs are being sought to support the full implementation of the Arctic Region and deliver on commitments.

DFO – Pacific Region

Regional HQ

• Vancouver, BC

Four Area Offices

• South Coast
• Fraser and Interior
• North Coast
• Yukon and Transboundary

Three Research Institutes

• Institute of Ocean Sciences
• Pacific Biological Station
• Cultus Lake Salmon Research Lab

Key Priorities:

• Stemming Pacific Salmon decline through the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative
• Advancing Indigenous Reconciliation through engagement, treaty negotiations, and collaborative development
• Responding to the Big Bar landslide and supporting steelhead trout recovery

The region has 1,750 employees, an operating budget of $261.3 million, a capital budget of $69.6 million and a grants and contributions budget of $94.5 million. It manages the BC Salmon Restoration & Innovation Fund and the Salmon Enhancement Program.

• 27,000 km of coastline + 105 river systems (Old Crow flats in Yukon to southern tip of Vancouver Island)
• 107 SCHs
• 3 MPAs: Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents, SG̲áan K̲ínghlas-Bowie Seamount, and Hectate Strait
• Approximately 4,866 commercial harvesters and a total landed value of $397 million (2019)
• Top wild species (2019): crab ($92 million); geoduck ($49 million); halibut ($46 million); hake ($42 million)
• Total value of aquaculture production (2019): $709 million (90 per cent from Atlantic salmon)
• The recreational and sport fishery generates over $1 billion each year in economic value

Coast Guard – Atlantic Region

Regional Office

• St. John’s, NL

The region spans NB, NS, PEI, and NL, with a Search and Rescue (SAR) zone extending halfway across the Atlantic.

Key Priorities:

• Continue to support the development & implementation of key government initiatives such as Blue Economy Strategy and the Oceans Protection Plan.
• Continue to build and strengthen relationships and partnerships with Indigenous governments, communities and organizations
• Continue to create and maintain a qualified, diverse and inclusive workforce while striving to maintain a healthy work environment.

The region has 2,125 employees and an operating budget of $278 million.

Regional Assets:

• 15 large vessels
• 12 small vessels
• 15 SAR lifeboats
• 9 helicopters
• 3 operational bases
• 2 Integrated Service Centres
• 14 SAR stations
• 9 seasonal inshore rescue boat (IRB) stations
• 5 marine communication & traffic service (MCTS) centres
• 1,599 fixed aids
• 5,076 floating aids
• 24 staffed lighthouses

Coast Guard – Central

Regional Office

• Montreal, QC

The region currently covers the five Great Lakes and their connecting channels, as well as the St.
Lawrence River to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Key Priorities:

• Advance reconciliation and implement DFO national strategy
• Recruitment, retention and training
• Enhance role of the Regional Operation Center
• Implement the Concept of operations of Coast Guard
• Create an environment that promotes bilingualism

Source: Central Region Five Year Plan

The region has approximately 1,610 employees and an operating budget of $185
million.

Regional Assets:

• 6 large vessels
• 12 small vessels
• 19 SAR lifeboats
• 7 helicopters
• 2 hovercrafts
• 11 operational bases
• 15 lifeboat stations
• 13 inshore rescue stations
• 4 MCTS centres
• 4,614 floating aids
• 2,187 fixed aids

Coast Guard –Western Region

Regional Office

• Victoria, BC

The region spans the entire BC coastline, and includes Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba; the region continues to support operations on the Mackenzie River in conjunction with the Arctic Region.

Key Priorities:

• Building Indigenous partnerships with 60+ coastal First Nations
• Advancing Marine Domain Awareness

The region has 1,370 employees and an operating budget of $152 million for fiscal year 2021/22 ($20 million designated for OPP). It sees 53 per cent of all marine communications and traffic services (MCTS) in Canada and an annual average of 3000 SAR cases, 1200 pollution cases, with the reviewing of 200 VOC cases last year.

Regional Assets:

• 5 large vessels
• 13 small vessels
• 13 SAR vessels
• 6 helicopters
• 2 hovercrafts
• 7 operational bases
• 13 SAR stations
• 4 IRB stations
• 2 MCTS centres
• 5 ER depots
• 3,856 aids to navigation
• 27 staffed lightstations

Coast Guard –Arctic Region

Regional Office

• Yellowknife, NWT

The region consists of the Yukon North Slope, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Hudson and James Bay. Seasonal operations are provided for the Mackenzie River, NWT.

Program and services including SAR preparedness and Environmental Response activities are led from the Arctic Region.

Key Priorities:

• Establish regional governance frameworks and advance reconciliation
• Recruit Inuit, First Nations, and Métis Coast Guard members to increase staff complement in the North
• Improve operational readiness and marine safety in the Arctic

The geographical boundaries for the Arctic Region were announced on March 5, 2021 and includes all of Inuit Nunangat. The region has ~102 employees, and an operating budget of $23.5M. Increasing capacity and employment opportunities in the region continues to be a key priority.

Regional Assets:

• 8 large vessels (icebreakers)
• 6 ER vessels
• Up to 8 helicopters
• 1 operational base
• 1 IRB station
• 1 MCTS seasonal centre
• 1 staffed ER depot
• 24 caches of ER equipment
• 1 rapid air transportable
• 1,930 aids

Crown-Indigenous Relationship Overview

Purpose

• Provide an overview of Indigenous rights and how they pertain to your mandate and relationships with Indigenous Peoples
• Outline departmental initiatives and programs supporting Indigenous rights, interests and relationships

Aboriginal and Treaty rights are the foundation of the Government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and give rise to duties and responsibilities that must be upheld

“The existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed”
-Section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982

Aboriginal and treaty rights are:

• Collective, not individual rights: held by the Indigenous group, but may be exercised by members
• Specific in nature, not general: fishing rights are site-specific, group-specific, and species-specific

Section 35 rights arise from traditional use or occupation of lands and resources.

• Practices, traditions, and customs integral to the distinctive culture of the Aboriginal group claiming the right that existed prior to contact with the Europeans (for First Nation and Inuit groups) and prior to effective European control (for Métis groups).
• Aboriginal title is a unique right to “exclusive” use and occupation of land that existed prior to assertion of sovereignty by Europeans.

Aboriginal and treaty rights may be set out or clarified in court decisions.

Aboriginal and treaty rights may be set out in historic or modern treaties (Annex A and B).

Note: Government of Canada guidance recommends the use of "Aboriginal" when referring to matters in the context of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Government is subject to the constitutional duty to consult and accommodate, and the requirement to justify any infringements of rights.

Duty to consult

Where the Crown contemplates conduct that might have an adverse impact on established or potential Aboriginal or treaty rights, it has a legal duty to consult with those Indigenous groups who hold (or potentially hold) those rights, and, where appropriate, accommodate their interests or concerns.

Duty to justify infringements of rights

 Where legislation, its implementation or other government action infringes an Aboriginal or treaty right, the infringement must be justified in accordance with the test set out by the Supreme Court of Canada.

DFO has important relationships with Indigenous peoples that have been shaped by court decisions and treaty obligations

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for:

• Fish access and allocation, including to Indigenous communities and organizations
• Management of Indigenous fisheries
• Decisions on major project proposals
• Responding to litigation involving Indigenous rights
• Negotiating and implementing treaties and time-limited rights recognition agreements

Fisheries in Canada are…

• Of great social, cultural, and economic significance to many Indigenous communities
• A public resource to which Indigenous peoples have unique rights and interests
• An important focus at Treaty and other negotiating tables
• An economic driver and opportunity for self-determination for Indigenous peoples

Spotlight: Coast Guard

The CCG works in partnership with Indigenous coastal communities to ensure marine safety. In particular, some Indigenous communities play a key role in the Coast Guard Auxiliary by responding to emergencies in their local waters.

Court Decisions:

• Indigenous peoples have an Aboriginal right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes (FSC)
• Indigenous peoples have an Aboriginal right to fish for commercial purposes in specific circumstances

Treaty Obligations:

• Fisheries-related issues are often a key component of treaty negotiations
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada works to implement over 2,700 obligations arising from 25 modern treaties.

See Annexes A and B for more information on historic and modern treaties

Foundational Court Decisions related to Fisheries

Canadian courts have found key Aboriginal rights related to fisheries.

Right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes

• R. v. Sparrow (1990): found that the Musqueam Indian Band (British Columbia) has an Aboriginal right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes (FSC) under section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Right to fish for commercial purposes (in specific circumstances)

• R. v. Gladstone (1996): Heiltsuk (British Columbia) have an Aboriginal right to harvest and sell herring spawn on kelp.
• R v. Marshall (1999): Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy have a treaty right to hunt, fish, and gather in pursuit of a moderate livelihood within their traditional territory (decision affects 35 First Nations groups in Atlantic Canada, Gaspe region of Quebec).
• Ahousaht Indian Band and Nation v. Canada (2009 / 2018): Plaintiffs have a right to fish in their court-defined territories and sell that fish into the commercial marketplace (British Columbia).

DFO’s relationships with Indigenous peoples have changed over time and have a strong regional and operational dimension

From a relationship built on responding to rights recognized through court decisions related to fisheries…

• Policies and programs that supported collaborative management and increased fish access (e.g., Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy / Allocation Transfer Program, Marshall Response Initiative); and
• Rights-based discussions at mainly Treaty negotiating tables.

… to proactively building relationships that enable the expression of rights and interests across an array of activities.

• New programs have been proactively introduced (e.g., Atlantic, Pacific, and Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives)
• Since 2015, collaborative management programs have invested an average of approximately $65 million per year;
• Continued implementation of the Marshall decision (moderate livelihood) with 34 First Nations in the Maritimes and Gaspé region, and now also the Peskotomuhkati, including a new optional path for First Nations in the Maritimes and the Gaspé region to develop and implement their own moderate livelihood fishing plan (2021).
• Negotiating tables have moved toward the recognition of rights and interests as a starting point for negotiations.

North:

• The North is mostly covered by comprehensive land claim agreements and self-government agreements (“modern treaties”)
• DFO-Indigenous relationship in the North is primarily related to implementing these agreements

West:

• Implementing court decisions for FSC fishing and the right to fish for commercial purposes in specific locations and circumstances. 
• Few existing treaties: Some Indigenous groups are currently negotiating time-limited agreements

East:

• Implementing court decisions for FSC fishing and the right to fish for commercial purposes (moderate livelihood) in specific locations and circumstances
• Some historic treaties and three Modern Treaties (Quebec and Labrador): some Indigenous groups are currently negotiating time-limited agreements

Inland:

• Inland area is largely covered by pre-1975 treaties with First Nations (“historic treaties”)
• Provinces and territories manage inland fishing – including Indigenous fishing - in most cases, while inland aquatic habitats remain under federal jurisdiction

The department has a range of tools to support renewed relationships and partnerships

Indigenous programs Includes a range of programs such as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Northern Integrated Fisheries Initiatives and the new Indigenous Habitat Protection Program.

Policy and legislation encompasses legislative reviews, policy initiatives, and specific decisions that may affect Aboriginal and Treaty rights and interests.

Treaty negotiations generally address issues such as Food, Social and Ceremonial
(FSC); commercial fisheries; and, oceans management.

Non-Treaty negotiations Includes tools such as self-determination discussions and agreements; Incremental Treaty Agreements; and, litigation- related negotiations.

Engagement / consultation touches on fisheries management plans and activities; marine safety and emergency response; science; fisheries and habitat protection; and, marine use planning.

Key areas of work moving forward

• Participating in fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat, and marine waterways negotiations at over 50 negotiation tables
• Exploring new approaches for fisheries collaborative management in partnership with Indigenous groups
• Developing internal and external capacity for ongoing collaboration with Indigenous partners
• Implementing the DFO-Coast Guard Reconciliation Strategy and accompanying results model

Spotlight: Expectations from Indigenous People

DFO is seeking to deliver results in the context of high expectations from Indigenous Peoples for increased and diversified economic opportunities and a greater role in decision-making and management activities, including:

• More access to fish for FSC and commercial purposes as well as aquaculture opportunities;
• Flexibility to choose how to fish;
• Means with which to harvest, add value, grow, and diversify economically;
• More control in their traditional territories and waters through joint or shared decision-making; and,
• More direct involvement in fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat, and marine waterways management activities

Annex A

Map of “Historic Treaties” (pre-1975)

Annex B

Map of Comprehensive Land Claim Agreements and Self-Government Agreements (“Modern Treaties”)

Provincial and Territorial Relationship Overview

Federal Roles and Responsibilities

The Constitution Act, 1867 establishes the division of federal and provincial powers. Unlike many resource-based federal departments, Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages a resource that falls largely under federal jurisdiction.

Federal jurisdiction

• The federal government is given exclusive legislative authority for "Seacoast and Inland Fisheries", including protection for fish habitat.
• In tidal waters, all aspects of fisheries management are an exclusive federal jurisdiction.
  • This includes responsibility for managing marine recreational fisheries on all coasts.
• Federal jurisdiction applies to the management of fish habitat in Canada's fresh and marine waters.

Coast Guard services are within the exclusive jurisdiction of Parliament.

Provincial and Territorial Responsibilities

• In non-tidal waters in a province (i.e., freshwater), the constitutional jurisdiction over fisheries is shared, but in practice, has been largely delegated to provinces.
  • Fisheries in non-tidal waters are generally referred to as recreational fisheries, or inland commercial fisheries (e.g., Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Ontario).
• With respect to freshwater, provinces and territories are generally responsible for fisheries management, including licensing and enforcement. That said, a mix of federal, provincial, and territorial management responsibilities has evolved over time, with different variations by jurisdiction.
  • These responsibilities are based on judicial interpretations, as well as specific federal/ provincial/territorial agreements and memoranda of understanding.
  • The different approaches across Canada reflect the diversity of regional needs.

Aquaculture Management in Canada

• Aquaculture management in Canada is a shared responsibility among federal and provincial/territorial governments
• Constitutional authorities and legal rulings have resulted in three different aquaculture management regimes in place across the country
• British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have special arrangements with the federal government for some aspects of aquaculture management in their jurisdiction
  • DFO has authority over day to day operations and oversight, and monitoring of fish farm activities in these jurisdictions
• In all other jurisdictions, the management of the aquaculture industry remains a shared responsibility between the federal and provincial governments
• Further information regarding the management of aquaculture in Canada is also included within your overview materials.

Your department engages both bilaterally and multilaterally with key provincial and territorial partners

While DFO engages most often with the departments shown here, we also work with other departments on cross- cutting environmental, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, or transportation issues.

• Yukon: Ministry of Environment
• Northwest Territories: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
• Nunavut: Department of Economic Development and Transportation
• British Columbia: Ministry of Aquaculture, Food, and Fisheries
• Alberta: Ministry of Environment and Parks
• Saskatchewan: Ministry of Environment
• Manitoba: Ministry of Aquaculture and Resource Development
• Ontario: Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry
• Quebec: Ministry of Aquaculture, Fisheries and Food
• New Brunswick: Ministry of Aquaculture, Agriculture and Fisheries
• Nova Scotia: Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Prince Edward Island: Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Newfoundland: Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture

Your Bilateral Engagement: targeted and responsive to regional issues and founded on strong day-to-day operational relationships

• You: engage and discuss critical decisions as necessary with your provincial and territorial colleagues
• Your deputy minister: supports you by coordinating with counterparts to implement mutual action plans and advising on progress and emerging events
• Your depart- mental officials: maintain regular dialogue with provincial and territorial officials to advance initiatives of shared interest and respond to issues of shared concern

The Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) is your most important tool for multilateral engagement. CCFAM provides a structured, regular mechanism for federal, provincial, and territorial ministers and their officials to collectively address fisheries and aquaculture issues of national importance.

• Formalized through the 1999 Agreement on Interjurisdictional Cooperation with Respect to Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Convened annually
• Co-chaired by you and a rotating provincial or territorial counterpart
• Your current co-chair is the New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries

Description

• CCFAM Ministers
  • CCFAM Deputy Ministers
    • Interjurisictional Working Group
    • Committies
      • Strategic Management Committee on Aquaculture: Ongoing support for Aquaculture Development Strategy work, and related files
      • National Aquatic Invasive Species Committee: Ongoing support for aquatic invasive Species (AIS) work
      • Inland Fisheries Committee: Support work related to recreational fisheries and inland commercial fisheries
      • Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Committee: Policy development and implementation for fish habitat protection under the new Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act
      • Economic Development Task Group: Promote economic development in fish and seafood sectors, in a post COVID-19 environment

Other multilateral fora are available and can be convened as needed. . .

In addition to the CCFAM, two regional intergovernmental ministerial fora exist:

• The Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (ACFAM), and
• The Pacific Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (PCFAM).

Both Councils operate under the same terms and conditions as the CCFAM

• Neither is currently active

When the need arises, additional ad hoc multilateral mechanisms can be established.

• For example, Ministers from Canada, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador meet from time to time in what is referred to as the Eastern Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (EFAM) forum.
• In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these ministers used this ad hoc forum to hold regular calls to coordinate on complex shared concerns regarding industry support and expanded safety requirements in the marine environment.

Provincial and Territorial Interests

Yukon

• Yukon River salmon/governance conservation and management
• Arctic Policy Framework
• Indigenous programs

Northwest Territories

• Aquatic invasive species
• Great Slave Lake revitalization ‒ infrastructure investments
• Arctic region

Nunavut

• Arctic region
• Nunavut Fisheries Regulations
• Marine Protection:
  • Lancaster Sound
  • High Arctic Basin

British Columbia

• Salmon aquaculture
• Protection of wild salmon
• Species at risk (whales, steelhead)
• MCT/MPAs
• Reconciliation
• Major projects (TMX)

Alberta

• Aquatic invasive species
• Whirling disease
• SAR:  Trout
• Fisheries Act

 Saskatchewan

• Aquatic invasive species
• Fisheries Act
• Authorization for E.B. Campbell Generating Station

 Manitoba

• Aquatic Invasive Species
• SAR: Lake Sturgeon
• Lake Manitoba/Lake St. M artin Outlet Channel

Ontario

• Aquatic Invasive Species
• Aquaculture
• Indigenous relations/management authority
• Canada-Ontario Agreement renewal

 Quebec

• Quebec Fisheries Fund and CFSOF
• Collaboration on Stratégie maritime, Blue Economy
• MCT/MPAs Whale interactions and market impacts

New Brunswick

• Aquaculture leg/reg reform
• Reconciliation
• Whale interactions and market impacts
• Independence of inshore/owner operator and fleet separation
• MCT/MPAs
• Small Craft Harbours

Nova Scotia

• MCT/MPAs
• Aquaculture leg. reforms
• Independence of inshore/owner operator and fleet separation
• Whale interactions and market impacts
• Oceans Supercluster

Prince Edward Island

• Aquaculture leg/reg reform invasive species
• North Atlantic Right Whales
• Independence of inshore/owner operator and fleet separation

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Balancing ocean protection and economic objectives
• Snow crab fishery – precautionary approach
• Arctic surf clam quota
• Aquaculture sustainable growth
• Atlantic salmon and devolution of inland fisheries management
• Industry access to US markets
• Market access for seals
• Independence of inshore/owner operator and fleet separation

Science at DFO

Purpose

• Provide an overview of science at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
• Outline DFO’s scientific footprint
• Highlight DFO Science’s process to develop advice in support of evidence-based decision-making.

The Role of Science at DFO

DFO science provides information, analysis, and advice on key areas.

• Sustainable fisheries
• Species protection and recovery
• Impacts of aquaculture on ecosystems
• Environmental and risk assessments
• Oceans management
• Safe navigation in Canada’s waterways
• Science to support emergency response

Core Science Functions

• Research: produces the evidence base to inform management decisions
• Scientific Data: generate and share data that are accessible, usable, and of known quality
• Science Advice: supports evidence-based decision-making
• Program Monitoring: ongoing long-term data help us understand and react to changes in our waters
• Data Products and Services: hydrographic products and surveys (e.g., digital charts)

DFO Scientist – Who We Are

A highly skilled workforce, with science expertise spanning all areas of fisheries and ocean science

• Approximately 2,000 staff
• Over 17 DFO research institutes, laboratories, experimental centres and offices.
• Science at-sea field component
• Science collaborations and partnerships

Science Advice

Our science advice supports evidence-based decision-making

• The Department's Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) provides peer- reviewed advice.
• Provides a forum to challenge scientific analyses and come to consensus on advice for decision- making
• Over 120 events and 230 – 300 publications annually
• Process includes external experts
• CSAS documents are published to ensure transparency

Description

CSAS Process

1. Call for requests for science advice
2. Developing requests for science advice
3. Developing the Science Advisory Schedule
4. Developing the ToR & peer-review logistics
5. Analysis/Working paper
6. Peer-review assessment & drafting the science advice
7. Submitting the science advice & supporting documents
8. Publishing the science advice & supporting documents

Science and Innovation

• Taking a Collaborative Approach
  • Oceans Research in Canada Alliance
  • Science Enterprise Centres
  • Multi-partner / collaborative
  • Pacific and Atlantic
• Communicating our science
  • State of the ocean reporting
  • Supporting Open data and open science initiatives

Science for Today and Tomorrow

• High Quality Science
  • Continue to deliver quality science for decision-making about our oceans and aquatic ecosystems
• Leading Research
  • Conduct research that addresses current and emerging issues, including:
    • Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
    • Safe Shipping
    • Climate change
    • Blue Economy
• Enhanced Communication
  • Improve how we communicate our science
    • Proactive
    • Open
    • Effective
    • Modern
• Constructive Relationships
  • Build relationships with stakeholders, Indigenous peoples, and scientific community – at home & abroad

Annex 1: DFO National Science Facilities

DFO Science operates research institutes, laboratories, experimental centres, and offices located in 7 regions across the country.

Pacific region

• Institute of Ocean Sciences
• Pacific Biological Station
• Centre for Aquaculture & Environmental Research
• Cultus Lake Salmon Research Laboratory

Prairie region

• Freshwater Institute      
• Canadian Centre for Inland Waters

Quebec region

• Institute Maurice Lamontagne  

Gulf region

• Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre           
• Charlottetown Pathogen Laboratory

Maritime region

• St. Andrews Biological Station
• Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Newfoundland and Labrador region

• Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre

International Landscape

International context for DFO

• Global Context
• Effective Governance:
  • Multilateral collaboration to develop solutions for ocean health
• Sustainable Fisheries:
  • Efforts to enhance straddling and high seas fish stock sustainability
• Conservation:
  • Protection of the marine environment
• Sustainable Development Goals:
  • SDG 14 – Life below water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
• Climate Change:
  • Significant role of the oceans in climate change mitigation
• Legal Context
• UNCLOS
  • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982)
• UN Fish Stocks
  • United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (1995)
• Regional fisheries
  • Regional Conventions and Agreements to regulate fishing (various)
• Free trade agreement
  • E.g. Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and legal obligations
• Multilateral Environmental Agreements
  • E.g. Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)

International engagement

The Department works with international partners to advance fisheries and oceans interests through multilateral and bilateral engagements.

• Economic
  • Maintain access to and sustainably manage international fisheries
  • Ensure fair and equitable access to global markets
  • Facilitate collaborative efforts for sustainable aquaculture
• Conservation
  • Influence multilateral conservation efforts in support of domestic objectives
• Scientific
  • Engage with international partners in scientific initiatives and research activities to support domestic and global policy making
• Partner/stakeholder engagement
  • Engage domestic partners and stakeholders on international issues

Engagement Mechanisms

• Multilateral international organizations
  • United Nations and associated bodies
  • World Trade Organization (e.g. fish subsidies)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature
• Regional fora
  • Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs)
  • e.g. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO)
• Bilateral meetings
  • International counterparts
  • Domestic stakeholders
  • Environmental Non- governmental Organizations (ENGOs)
• Others
  • Ad-hoc meetings for consultations including other government departments and civil society

Objectives of international engagement

• Demonstrate Canadian leadership
  • Position Canada as a strong and reliable partner on oceans and fisheries issues on the world stage
• Promote Canada’s international trade agenda
  • Provide Canadian leadership at key global seafood trade shows
• Advance Canadian priorities for international fisheries
  • Advance international fisheries interests through multilateral and bilateral engagements
• Engage domestic stakeholders
  • Build relationships with domestic stakeholders and Indigenous peoples on international issues

International Fora

Key international fora of interest on the horizon:

• Canadian Leadership
• International Trade
• International Fisheries
• Stakeholder Engagement

High Level Panel for Sustainable Oceans Economy

• Ocean policy body made up of 14 world leaders to advance international ocean priorities

North Atlantic Fisheries Ministers Conference Reykjavik, Iceland – 2022 (date tbc)

• Only ministerial forum dedicated to discussing North Atlantic fisheries and oceans issues

UN Climate Change Conference COP28

• High level forum to address progress in dealing with climate change (November 2022)

Seafood Expo North America Boston, USA - March 2022

• Largest seafood expo in North America

2022 UN Ocean Conference Lisbon, Portugal – 2022 (date TBC)

• Convened to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (e.g. healthy oceans)

Arctic Council

• A high-level forum to provide means for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States

2022 IMPAC5

• A global forum for ocean conservation professionals and high-level officials to inform, inspire and act on marine protected areas.