Canada’s Conservatives announce plan to support fisheries

A new Conservative government would engage new strategies, partnerships
and provide funding to support critical industry

Alfie MacLeod, Conservative Candidate for Cape Breton
– Canso, and Eddie Orrell, Conservative Candidate for Sydney – Victoria, were
in Glace Bay today to speak with local fish harvesters about Andrew Scheer’s
plan to promote and support Canada’s fisheries by adopting new strategies and
partnerships to strengthen relationships and build consensus on how to restore
fish stocks. Similar announcements were made by Conservative candidates across
the country.

“The Trudeau Liberals have failed to consult fish
harvesters over the past four years and this has had a real impact on our
coastal communities,” said Alfie MacLeod. “Livelihoods throughout our
province depend on the fishery.
Conservatives will work with Nova Scotians to strengthen this vital
resource.”

To renew engagement and consultation to support our
fisheries, a new Conservative government will:

Create advisory panels with fish harvesters and anglers, Indigenous groups, and other experts
as appropriate, to rebuild critical stocks and ensure that everyone is working
together.
Enhance and rebuild wild Atlantic and Pacific salmon stocks by increasing support for community-led conservation and enhancement
projects and increasing the price of the Salmon Conservation Stamp for
non-residents to benefit the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Complete new recovery
plans for all of Canada’s critical fisheries and develop strategies for managing
predators and invasive species where necessary.
Repeal measures that
bypass community consultations for Marine Protected Areas while ensuring that the process is robust and timely. Justin Trudeau’s changes have short
circuited important community consultations for Marine Protected Areas.
Work with industry to
develop a strategy for preventing seafood fraud.
Create a modern
aquaculture act.
Support the advancement
of technology and practices that reduce contact between wild and farmed salmon.

“It is so important to note the important role that
fisheries play in our local economies,” said Alfie MacLeod. “To maintain
infrastructure and support communities, a new Conservative government will provide $250 million in additional support for small craft harbours.”

Supporting our fisheries is also an important part of A
Real Plan to Protect Our Environment. As part of our
efforts to combat oceans plastic, a new Conservative government will work with
international partners to reduce the prevalence of “ghost gear”, or abandoned
and lost gear, which entangles marine wildlife and contributes to the world’s
oceans’ plastic problem. We will work to protect our oceans against one of the
deadliest forms of marine litter.

“A new Conservative government will support our fishing
industry to ensure our local communities and economies continue to thrive,”
said Eddie Orrell. “These are necessary measures – strategies, partnerships,
and funding – to make sure this critical industry continues to thrive.”

Andrew
Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives: “Justin Trudeau is not as advertised.
This election, Canadians have a choice. Between the poor judgement of Justin
Trudeau, and a new, positive Conservative government that will take immediate
action to give you more help at home.”

Supporting Document:

Backgrounder