Minister MacKinley pleased with national meetings

Canada’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers emphasized the need to continue to work together to support the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the fishery and aquaculture industry at their annual meeting in Victoria, British Columbia earlier this week.

“I was very pleased with the discussions that took place with my national colleagues,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley. “I also had good discussions with my Atlantic colleagues about possible solutions to low shore prices for lobster. I raised concerns Prince Edward Island fishers have about the impact of cancelling the owner-operator and fleet separation policies. We also discussed proposed changes to EI and how the fishery and other seasonal industries need to be supported.”

The lobster fishery was the main topic of discussion during the meeting of the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers. There was unanimous agreement of the need to continue discussions aimed at ensuring the stability and viability of the lobster fishery.

The Ministers identified the need to develop a strong management system for aquaculture to ensure the sector continues to grow in a sustainable manner and be a strong contributor to the Canadian economy.