Question Period Note: 2022 Canada-France 3Ps Cod Negotiations

2022 Canada-France 3Ps Cod Negotiations

As Minister, I am committed to making decisions based on the best available science, being precautionary when science is uncertain, while taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders.

The latest stock assessment shows that 3Ps cod remains in a critical state.

The Government of Canada recognizes the cultural, economic, and historical importance of cod to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The Government also has a duty to manage resources and ecosystems responsibly for future generations. This includes ensuring the long-term sustainability of the oceans and restoration of fish stocks.

• The spawning stock biomass estimate has been placing 3Ps cod in the critical zone for a number of years, including this year.
• Every year, Canada and France (in respect of Saint Pierre and Miquelon) hold a Canada-France Advisory Committee (CFAC) meeting to negotiate the management regime for co-managed stocks for the upcoming fishing season, including the total allowable catch (TAC) for 3Ps cod.
• The absence of improvement in 3Ps cod stock, and consistent with DFO’s Precautionary Approach Framework, led Canada to seek to negotiate a no directed fishery for the 2021-22 fishing season, at the 27th CFAC meeting in March 2021.
• Faced with strong opposition from France, and unanimous support from Canadian industry stakeholder groups for a TAC rollover from 2020-21, Canada instead agreed to a 50 per cent TAC reduction.
• In addition, Canada and France agreed to begin the development of a joint rebuilding plan for 3Ps cod in 2021, which may include a management strategy evaluation (MSE). This work is set to begin this fall.
• In May 2021, then Minister Jordan agreed to convene a small group of external scientists to review the scientific model used to assess 3Ps cod stock, which had been criticized by a number of stakeholders. The model was found to be of a high standard and appropriate for assessing the stock given the available data, therefore the Department proceeded with the assessment of 3Ps cod stock without any changes to the model.
• Results from the fall stock assessment will set the table for Canada’s 2022 negotiating position, which will be further informed through regular discussions of the CFAC heads of delegation (HoDs), and stakeholder engagement, starting early in the new year.
• In a recent HoD call, both Canada and France hoped for a further TAC reduction for 3Ps cod for the 2022-23 fishing season.
• The 28th annual CFAC meeting is scheduled to occur in Paris March 30 – April 1, 2022.

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