Newfoundland and Labrador All-Party Committee presents report
on 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS Cod Fisheries to federal Minister Thibault

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federal and Provincial All-Party Committee on 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS cod fisheries presented its report (PDF) to Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today in Ottawa. Following the meeting with the minister, representatives of the committee held a news conference.

A unanimous resolution, passed in the House of Assembly in November 2002, mandated the All-Party Committee to prepare a united position on the potential fisheries closures. Represented on the committee are leaders and representatives of all political parties in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. Also represented are members of the Parliament of Canada, and the Canadian Senate. The Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and the New Democratic Party are in solidarity on its recommendations to rebuild, protect, and manage these important cod fisheries.

In its report the All-Party Committee takes the position that there are alternatives to full closure of the cod fisheries and calls upon the federal government to act immediately to implement a multi-faceted plan to rebuild and conserve these important resources. The thrust of the committee�s report is that fisheries closures alone will not lead to rebuilding of the once abundant cod stocks and that a variety of measures, including reducing the seal population, improving fisheries science, sustainable fishing practices and improved enforcement of fisheries management regulations are required if cod stocks are to rebuild.

The All-Party Committee has also asked the Prime Minister to acknowledge the broader-based significance of this issue by establishing a task force.

A copy of the Newfoundland and Labrador All-Party Committee report on the 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS Cod Fisheries is available below:

Download Report (PDF)

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-3733, cell (709) 682-6765.