Question Period Note: Implementation of the Modernized Fisheries Act

• Budget 2023 announced $135.5 million over two years to continue to implement the modernized Fisheries Act. This includes funding for the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program, which supports the participation of Indigenous peoples in the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.
• We must continue to protect and conserve Canada’s fish and fish habitat for future generations.
• As Minister, I will continue to encourage sustainable uses of Canada’s aquatic resources by promoting evidence-based decision making, improved enforcement, transparency, and collaboration.

BACKGROUND
• The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard’s mandate letter published December 16, 2021 committed the Minister to support sustainable, stable, prosperous fisheries through the continued implementation of the modernized Fisheries Act.
• To accomplish this, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) engages with proponents of projects in or near water to protect fish and fish habitat by providing information on how to comply with the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act and related regulations.
• Annually, DFO reviews over 5000 development proposals (referrals) and issues over 200 authorizations. DFO achieves an average of 90 per cent compliance rate with our service delivery standards to confirm that applications for authorizations were complete and adequate within the regulated 60-day time limit as well as a 100 per cent compliance rate for making the authorization decisions within the 90-day time limit.
• Since 2019, DFO has completed three waves of engagement with Indigenous peoples, partners, stakeholders, and the public on development of policies, frameworks, instruments, and guidance. Additional rounds of engagement will be undertaken as future policies, frameworks and guidance are developed.
• The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard also participated in the Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects and is working in collaboration with the Privy Council Office and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to advance the clean growth initiatives described in Budget 2024.

If pressed - the Parliamentary review of the Fisheries Act
• The House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans recently passed a motion to study the Fisheries Act and I look forward to the outcome of the study, including the insights and experiences from Indigenous communities and organizations, stakeholders, and provinces and territories.
• This examination of the Act will inform directions on how we can continue to advance efforts to protect and sustain Canada's fisheries, maintain vibrant coastal communities, continue to advance reconciliation, and promote the long-term health of our aquatic ecosystems.