Waterkeeper's comments on review of changes to the Fisheries Act

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans is in the process of reviewing changes that were made to the Fisheries Act by the previous government. Prior to the rollbacks to environmental laws, the Fisheries Act was one of the strongest legal tools for water protection in Canada and pivotal to Waterkeeper's work in protecting fish and fish habitat. 

On November 14, 2016, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's founders, Mark Mattson and Krystyn Tully presented "9 Things the New Fisheries Act Must Do To Make Canada Healthy and Prosperous" on behalf of the organization, Fraser Riverkeeper, Fundy Baykeeper, North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper, and Ottawa Riverkeeper. The presentation was submitted in written form on November 30, 2016.

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper / Swim Drink Fish Canada's founders, Mark Mattson and Krystyn Tully presenting recommendations to the Standing Committee. (Screen grab from ParlVu webcast)

In case you missed the webcast, here are the "9 Things the New Fisheries Act Must Do To Make Canada Healthy and Prosperous:"

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's comments on review of changes to the Fisheries Act from LOWaterkeeper

Appendix A: Accompanying case study to November 30, 2016 submission to the Fisheries Act review from LOWaterkeeper

After studying and reviewing the scope of application of the Fisheries Act, the Standing Committee will provide its recommendations in a report to the House by February 28, 2017.