Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Building on this commitment, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, together with Chief Arren Sock of the Elsipogtog First Nation and Chief Alvery Paul of the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, announced today that they have agreed to a long-term plan to advance reconciliation in the fisheries. This will benefit the Mi’kmaq communities of Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj and the broader fishing communities in New Brunswick.
The 10-year Interim Fisheries Implementation Agreement addresses areas of mutual interest in the fisheries, and will help foster improved relationships with, and outcomes for, the Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj First Nations by:
- upholding the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision regarding these First Nations’ Treaty rights to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood;
- reducing socio-economic gaps by supporting these First Nations’ capacity to participate in the fisheries and obtain additional fisheries’ access, such as licenses and quota, as well as vessels and gear; and
- establishing future negotiation processes regarding the co-development of a collaborative fisheries management approach.
This agreement was reached in the spirit of collaboration; it will advance recognition of rights and make real progress on the issues most important to the Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj First Nations. Having a long-term agreement in place will help provide for stable, predictable and sustainable fisheries for all harvesters in the region.
