I am pleased to announce today the approval of a Code of Ethics for our province�s fish harvesters, which is the final step in the official professionalization process for the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery. A Code of Ethics is the traditional hallmark of a profession and this code outlines the standards of practice for fish harvesters and will serve as the guiding principles under which they conduct their profession.

There are several key elements contained in the Code of Ethics, including conservation, quality, respect of the laws controlling the resource, improving safety and training, disciplinary procedures, promotion and enhancement of the fishery as a true profession, and support for organizations that represent professional fish harvesters.

The Code of Ethics has been developed and approved through province-wide consultations with fish harvesters, meetings of a special committee on a Code of Ethics, and has the full approval of the Board of Directors of the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board. As the minister that introduced legislation in the House of Assembly in 1996 to professionalize fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador and as a result we became the first province in Canada to formally recognize fish harvesting as a profession, I am very proud to approve this Code of Ethics, which will indeed further strengthen the professionalization program.

Since its inception in 1997, the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board has been working diligently to establish and implement procedures and mechanisms required to professionalize the harvesting sector of our fishery. The board is dedicated to the ongoing process of professionalization, certification, and educational development of all fish harvesters in the province.

I applaud everyone involved in the development of the Code of Ethics and commend them for their efforts to ensure that the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be conducted in a professional manner. This Code of Ethics will provide fish harvesters from all fleet sectors with a common set of goals to govern their work environment. Professionalization is indeed a key element in the future prosperity of our fishing industry.

2000 05 11                                                     1:55 p.m.