Editor, The News:
I am writing in response to Jack Emberly’s Along the Fraser column, (The News, Nov. 5.)
Let me begin by stating that as Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, I share your concerns about ensuring we have the right protections in place to safeguard our fish and their habitat.
That is why the Government of Canada is reviewing the fisheries protection provisions of the Fisheries Act. We are following through on our commitment to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards, and to do so, we want to hear directly from Canadians.
Just a few weeks ago, we launched an online public consultation called Let’s Talk Fish Habitat. I encourage everyone to contribute their views by visiting letstalkfishhabitat.ca, before the consultation ends on Nov. 25.
I would also like to add that our government is committed to renewing our relationship with indigenous peoples based on trust, respect, and cooperation. To support this, DFO is working directly with indigenous peoples to ensure that their concerns are heard and taken into account. In addition to being able to participate in the online consultation, DFO is holding face-to-face meetings with indigenous communities, for which funding has been made available.
I want to hear from Canadians, including concerned citizens, scientists, environmentalists, and indigenous peoples, as well as industry partners and small business owners. We need to work together to get this right.
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Coast Guard