Question Period Note: Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Responsibility for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission was transferred to Global Affairs Canada. Concerns remain regarding the management of Canada's funding commitment between GAC and DFO.

• The Great Lakes are of significant importance to the economy, health and well-being of Canadians and Indigenous communities.
• The Great Lakes Fishery Commission's work is vital to controlling sea lamprey, conducting scientific research, and maintaining cooperation between Canadian and American agencies to manage the health of the fish and fisheries of the Great Lakes.
• Since machinery of government transfer, my officials have been working closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Commission, and the Privy Council Office to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities.
• The Government of Canada recognizes the important role that the Great Lakes Fishery Commission plays in preserving and protecting our binational freshwater resources, and we are committed to ensuring a successful transition.

· The 1954 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries Between Canada and the United States of America created the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC). The GLFC provides a mechanism for Canada and the United States to work together to combat sea lamprey, to protect and sustain the Great Lakes fisheries, and to act as a coordinating body for fishery management and research.

· Pursuant to the Convention, the Commission is funded by both Canada and the United States. As decided at the Commission's first meeting in 1956, for implementation of the Sea Lamprey Control Program, the U.S. and Canada contribute 69% and 31% of the Commission's budget, respectively. To support the Commission's science research efforts, coordination of binational fisheries management, communications program, and other matters undertaken at the Secretariat office, Canada and the U.S. contribute equal amounts.

· In September 2024, former Prime Minister Trudeau transferred the responsibility for the GLFC from the portfolio of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to the portfolio of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The transfer was formalized by an Order in Council dated 18 October 2024. This machinery change arose out of a history of the GLFC's distrust over DFO's administration of the funds allocated to the Commission.

· The machinery of government decision does not legally allow Canada's funding commitment to be transferred to GAC as DFO remains responsible for the Sea Lamprey Control Program. As a result, Global Affairs Canada has been working closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Commission Secretariat, the Privy Council Office and the Treasury Board Secretariat to ensure a smooth and efficient transition of the funds allocated to the GLFC, including the most efficient administrative arrangements to fully implement the process of transferring the funds allocated to the Commission, while honouring Canada's obligations under the Treaty.

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