The Conservative MP for West Nova says a recent Senate committee report on the implementation of Indigenous fisheries doesn’t take everyone into account.
Chris d’Entremont, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, voiced his frustration that commercial fishers were not consulted in the report titled ‘Peace on the Water.’
He says it’s baffling that the Senate doesn’t have a response to a community of interest.
“I don’t accept the results, because they are not representative of all Canadians. It’s just one more thing that shows me that Ottawa doesn’t care about the fishery, whatsoever,” says d’Entremont.
The report lists ten recommendations, including eliminating the ‘buy-back’ approach for Indigenous fishers and for moderate livelihood fisheries to be implemented with DFO as an advisor.
d’Entremont says he agrees with the recommendation that every group should be at the table in fishery discussions.
He says conservation was also ignored, but it’s a big layer in the conversation.
d’Entremont says DFO should maintain all current responsibilities.
The report has been praised by Indigenous leaders, including Chief Mike Sack of the Sipekne’katik First Nation, who launched a self-regulated treaty lobster fishery in St. Mary’s Bay last August.
The fishery was heavily monitored by DFO, and many traps and gear were seized.
