Minister supports professionalization of fish harvesters

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Yvonne Jones, today responded to the judgment on Wallace Wrice versus the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board. The judgment by the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador upheld legislation which enables the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board to certify professional fish harvesters in the province. Minister Jones said it is clear that government must review the Professional Fish Harvesters Act to address necessary amendments to the legislation to reflect the intent of the professionalization program.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador fully supports professionalization of fish harvesters", said Minister Jones. "We will continue to work with fish harvesters through the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board and the federal government to achieve professionalization. It is evident that changes to the legislation are required to achieve this goal. I will be appointing a working group to start reviewing the legislation so government can make the necessary changes."

The province has long recognized fish harvesters as professionals and will continue to work with them to ensure that the good work and success of the board continues. The government passed the Professional Fish Harvesters Act in 1996 to support the desire of fish harvesters to be recognized as professionals.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the leader in Canada on professionalization of fish harvesters. Other provinces are pursuing similar initiatives using our experience as a model.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-3733

2003 06 06                                      3:45 p.m.