STATEMENT BY HERB DHALIWAL,
MINISTER OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS

In the past week, there has been much discussion about the potential benefits of appointing a mediator to help resolve the current impasse in the lobster fishery at Miramichi Bay. Today, I am pleased to say that we have agreed with the proposal by the Chief and Council of Burnt Church First Nation to have Mr. Bob Rae act in this capacity. I have every confidence that Mr. Rae has the experience and the sensitivity to mediate fairly in this situation. In my discussion with Mr. Rae, I have expressed my hope that he will consult with, not only the Burnt Church First Nation, but also the non-Native fishing community in the area.

I had asked that, when a mediator was appointed, he or she would be able to establish the circumstances which would be most conducive to successful mediation, including a suspension of enforcement. We had hoped that the agreed mediator would stipulate a level of fishing effort to be respected by the Band. The Band, however, has made it clear that they are not willing to accept such a cooling-off period as a precondition of mediation.

We are eager to resolve the situation, and are willing to set aside our position and enter into mediation without preconditions. Let me be very clear, however, that, in the absence of agreement on temporary fishing levels, we will continue to take appropriate action as required to uphold the law. My officials and I have already communicated this position to Mr. Rae and to Chief Dedam.

Despite our concerns about the climate for mediation, we are entering this process in good faith. We are committed to a peaceful resolution. And I remain hopeful that we will achieve such a resolution in the near future. Such a resolution would allow us to re-direct our attention to the bigger issue of working with Burnt Church, and all First Nations affected by the Marshall decision, to develop successful fisheries for the future.

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