The following statement was issued today by Yvonne Jones, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

All-Party Committee on 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS Cod Fisheries

The Newfoundland and Labrador All-Party Committee on 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS Cod Fisheries presented its report to Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in Ottawa on March 17. We presented a united Newfoundland and Labrador position on the critical issue of the future of the Northern and Gulf cod fisheries.

I am tabling the report of the Newfoudland and Labrador All-Party Committee on the 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS Cod Fisheries. I want to congratulate all Members of the House of Assembly that participated in this process for their vision and dedication to consensus toward stability and solid management of these important resources.

In an unprecedented action we passed a unanimous resolution in this House of Assembly to form the All-Party Committee to prepare our position. Represented on this committee are the leaders and representatives of all political parties in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. Also represented are Newfoundland and Labrador Members of Parliament, and the 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.

Any closure will have a devastating impact on the economic and social well-being of not only those directly affected, but on the entire population. The fishery brings wealth to our economy. Some 4,400 people will be significantly impacted. Many will lose their jobs, many will have lower incomes, and many will be forced to move.

We have been, and continue to be, guided by science in the resource management decision-making process. However, it is critical that we be confident of the science before any decision is made which will affect so many lives. Our work has shown that there are alternatives to closing fisheries.

We recognize that tough decisions will have to be made to rebuild these stocks. We are prepared to make these tough decisions. However, we firmly believe that simply closing fisheries without addressing the most serious - and controllable - reasons for the decline in cod stocks, is not the right decision. Our holistic plan identifies several actions that will contribute to rebuilding our stocks and our fisheries.

We agree that the impact of fishing on stock rebuilding must be reduced however we feel it can be done without closing these fisheries. We have recommended other measures that include restricting harvesting gear (hook and line only), reducing seasons, increasing enforcement, closing fishing grounds, and by closing other fisheries such as caplin and the recreational fishery.

In an effort to save the fish and the fishery there has to be an increase in the level of scientific research on fish stocks, seals, and the marine ecosystem. We must work to rebuild the stocks through enhancement measures. We must take action to reduce the over-populated seal resource; and take strong, decisive, and immediate action to end the threat of foreign overfishing.

Our position was prepared as a result of many discussions, collectively and individually, with representatives of fish harvesters, processors, plant workers, community leaders, and scientists. We firmly believe it presents the vision and pragmatic approach needed to move the fishery forward and bring stability and sustainability to people, to companies, and to communities.

Should the scientific advice recommend no other option but to close these fisheries, we stand united in our position that the Government of Canada has the responsibility to help mitigate the impacts on people and communities. We need to focus on the growth and renewal in the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery not its demise.

2003 03 20                                        2:00 p.m.