Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

February 7 2018

For Immediate Release

The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) applauds and strongly supports “the inclusion of the preservation or promotion of the independence of license holders in commercial inshore fisheries” contained in Bill C-68 that passed first reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday February 6, 2018

The PEIFA has been a passionate supporter of Owner Operator and Fleet Separation Policies and will continue to support these policies becoming entrenched in Federal legislation.

Support has also been provided by Fisheries and Oceans Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Island MPs Wayne Easter, Sean Casey and Robert Morrissey.

Over the past 4 years numerous fishing groups in Atlantic Canada have met with Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) staff regarding the importance of these policies to coastal fisheries and their surrounding communities.

These policies ensure that fishing licenses are owned and controlled by independent fish harvesters.

In addition, the organization supports the additional funding that will be provided to ensure additional resources are available for conservation and protection of our valuable fishing resources.

The PEIFA will continue to work diligently with the Minister and all Federal departments associated with this legislation to ensure that appropriate language is crafted to enshrine these policies into the Fisheries Act of Canada.

For more information please contact PEIFA President Bobby Jenkins at (902) 969-8995.