Media Release: A Statement from the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance
Media Release
A Statement from the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance.
The Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance (NSSA) is the voice of most small and medium sized seafood companies throughout Nova Scotia. Our mission is to promote, represent and advocate for land-based seafood buyers and processors across the province, for the advancement and prosperity of all.
Our Association has been closely monitoring the recent issues and ongoing developments related to the First Nations Treaty right to a moderate livelihood fishery. These events stem from the inaction of the Government of Canada, specifically the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). There has been a failure to work with First Nations to define what a ‘moderate livelihood’ means following the Marshall Decision over two decades ago.
Recent developments in reaction to the moderate livelihood dispute have been troubling to say the least. Last week’s threat of litigation by the Sipekne'katik band and its legal counsel directed toward seafood buyers is misinformed and misdirected. Even worse, this threat seriously impedes efforts to achieving workable solutions to this complex issue.
Simply put, licensed seafood buyers in Nova Scotia are only permitted to purchase raw materials from licensed harvesters who operate within the established regulatory framework of the commercial fisheries. It is illegal for Nova Scotia seafood buyers to operate outside their conditions of license or buy any seafood outside of regulated seasons as stipulated and enforced by DFO. Recent criminal cases involving the sale of lobster harvested outside of these regulated parameters confirm the severe penalties which apply when such activity occurs.
Since our inception, the NSSA and its members have developed trusted and valued working relationships with indigenous and non-indigenous commercial harvesters. Over the years, these relationships have benefitted our members as well as provided a market for licensed indigenous and non-indigenous harvesting partners. We are committed to growing these relationships and are confident that all parties can navigate current moderate livelihood challenges to join us in that commitment.
The Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance strongly urges all parties to direct their energies and focus on a negotiated solution which clarifies the range of legal rights and responsibilities. As an essential stakeholder in the seafood industry, we are more than willing to assist in this process. We believe that conservation and sustainability remain key pillars in the regulatory process and contribute to a viable seafood supply chain in Nova Scotia, in Canada and indeed, throughout the world.
We call on the Federal Government, First Nations and commercially licensed harvesters to engage in good faith negotiations to resolve this dispute and achieve a sustainable solution. This important work is long overdue and must be undertaken for the benefit of all.
16th November 2020.
For additional comment, please contact:
Osborne Burke, President, Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance
Tel 902.285.0009
