The Prince Edward Island government will oppose efforts to dismiss the legal challenge to the authority of the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. The federal government has notified the province that it is seeking a court date for a motion to dismiss the lawsuit which was filed by the provincial government in February. No date has been set to hear the motion as of yet.
“This manoeuvre on the part of the federal government was not unexpected, and we will vigorously contest our right to proceed with the lawsuit,” said Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture. “We believe that we have a solid case, and we will continue to fight to ensure fair and equitable access by Prince Edward Island fishermen and their right to an open and accountable process.”
Mr. MacAdam said that the need to challenge the constitutional power of the federal fisheries minister to make licensing and other management decisions was underlined by the announcement today that existing sharing arrangements in the vast majority of Atlantic fisheries will be maintained for a further five years. Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan said no changes will be made during that time in access and allocations.
“It is inconceivable that Prince Edward Island fishermen will continue to be denied their rightful access to a number of resources and have been effectively shut out for a further five years,” said Mr. MacAdam. “That vividly demonstrates why we need a new approach to fisheries management in the region that is based squarely on the principles already agreed to by federal and provincial governments. Today’s announcement that existing sharing arrangements will be maintained for another five years only serves to perpetuate and prolong the problems.”
Mr. MacAdam said he will continue to make requests for an increased allocation of a number of species in an effort to deal with the present inequalities in sharing arrangements.
“I would like to know where our Island members of parliament stand on this issue,” said Mr. MacAdam. “They have a responsibility to explain to Island fishermen why they continue to be denied their rights, and why they have failed to protect their interests.”