Bill C-32

RECOMMENDATION

Her Excellency the Governor General recommends to the House of Commons the appropriation of public revenue under the circumstances, in the manner and for the purposes set out in a measure entitled “An Act respecting the sustainable development of Canada’s seacoast and inland fisheries”.

SUMMARY

This enactment repeals and replaces the Fisheries Act. It seeks to provide for the sustainable development of Canadian fisheries and fish habitat in collaboration with fishers, the provinces, aboriginal groups and other Canadians.

It sets out management principles governing the exercise of responsibilities under the Act, and provides tools and authorities to improve the ability of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to properly manage fisheries and fish habitat.

Part 1 establishes a regime for the proper management and control of fisheries. It allows the Minister to stabilize access and allocation in fisheries, issue fishing licences, conclude agreements with groups that participate in a fishery and issue fisheries management orders.

Part 2 provides for the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.

Part 3 provides for the control and management of aquatic invasive species.

Part 4 provides the necessary powers to administer and enforce the Act.

Part 5 establishes the Canada Fisheries Tribunal and sets out a system of licence sanctions for fisheries violations to be administered by that Tribunal, which will also consider appeals of licence decisions.

Part 6 provides for regulations and other related matters required for the administration of the Act.

Part 7 sets out transitional provisions and consequential amendments and repeals certain other Acts.