Regulations affecting the aquaculture industry

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour, said today that he wishes to set the record straight on the issue of proposed Code of Practice for Diving Operations. The minister was responding to recent articles in local newspapers that suggest government is imposing regulations on the sea urchin harvesting and aquaculture industries without consultation.

The Code of Practice for Diving Operations referred to by the reporters was developed through a multistakeholder approach involving industry, government and unions. In 1994, government, as part of its strategic plan, began a process of regulatory reform which involved a comprehensive review of all government legislation including occupational health and safety legislation. The intent of this initiative was to streamline and improve the functions of government to the minimum level required to protect the public interest and ultimately improve the business climate in the province. As well, the review process involved identifying areas where new legislation may be required.

In 1993, 150 employer and employee representatives attended Symposium '93 - Working Safely Together in the 90s. This symposium provided a valuable beginning for the legislative review and to the establishment of eight working groups on a variety of issues, including diving. The process of developing a Code of Practice for Diving Operations was coordinated by Bruce Rogers, Director of Occupational Health and Safety Inspections, and included staff of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, provincial Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, the Commercial Diving Association, the FFAW and others. Some of the committee members were quoted in The Express as being opposed to the draft Code of Practice. However, Mr. Aylward said: "At the end of the process, the committee that developed the code signed a consensus document in favour of the code".

The Sea Urchin Harvesters Association was not established until after the code was developed. Officials in the Occupational Health and Safety Branch will meet with association representatives on January 24 to deal with their questions.

Mr. Aylward stated that: "We certainly have no intention of damaging a vibrant and young industry in this province, that's not what the process was about, but our first priority must be the safety of the people working in the industry." The minister went on to say that the Code of Practice developed has been referenced as a model for similar legislation at the national level.

Contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.