Alberta Wilderness Association
October 12, 2006
A good part of the meeting focused on the failure to enforce the strongest piece of Canadian environmental legislation, the federal Fisheries Act. Representatives of groups from across Canada expressed dismay at the continuing deterioration of fisheries and the associated regulatory regime.
Communities have been decimated, miles of ocean bottom habitat have been destroyed, and water quality has been compromised. It is a national crisis for Canada's oldest industry. An extensive range of issues was discussed including:
- the narrowing of the scope of federal environmental assessment for major developments like in Alberta's oil sands;
- massive habitat destruction through bottom trawling;
- the delisting of mining tailings from environmental review.
Groups were heartened by the willingness of DFO to pursue further dialogue.
The groups are awaiting a meeting with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to seek increased protection for Canada's beleaguered fish and fish habitats.
Contact:
Cliff Wallis, Alberta Wilderness Association (403) 271-1408
Denys Bourque, Le Club d'ornithologie du Madawaska (506) 739-6471
Inka Milewski, Conservation Council of New Brunswick (506) 622-2460