Statement for Presentation in the

House of Commons

Regarding

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and

The Canadian Fresh Water Fishery

May 27^th, 1998

Paul Steckle, M.P.

Huron-Bruce

I rise to speak on the long-term viability of the Canadian fresh water fishery. I am delighted to see that this issue has started to attract real political and public attention. I am also pleased to declare that this new focus has started a dialogue between stakeholders and government hence promoting constructive criticism of the effectiveness of the programming, public image and the spending habits of DFO.

The Great Lakes commercial and recreational fishery is among the world’s finest. It is estimated that the Ontario sport fishery alone annually contributes over 60 million GST dollars to the federal treasury. A figure that does not consider the millions of tourist dollars and other economic spin-offs that result from the fishing industry. In short, the Great Lakes offer Canadians much more than just fish.

The Standing Committee recently completed a tour of the Great Lakes region, endeavouring to examine the geographic locations that are most dependent upon the fishery. To this end, we invited stakeholders to come forward with their ideas and comments. I would describe the trip as productive however, what we witnessed and what were told, can only be described as troubling.

DFO’s public image seems to be floating belly-up. Power devolution and spending cuts have decimated DFO’s Ontario operations. As a result, we encountered the perception that DFO has only a minuscule impact on the daily lives of those involved in the industry. An impression that seems to grow with every dollar cut from DFO’s Ontario budget. Mr. Speaker, I regret having to sound alarms however, we must take note of the emerging trend in Ontario. I do not advocate casting away money however, I do believe that strategic investment is needed.

The Committee recently put forward reports on the failing status of the East and West Coast Fisheries. Fisheries that only a short time ago sustained millions. Those reports outlined a bleak coastal situation. If one believes in foreshadowing then these documents could have implications here. In essence, by opting for inaction, we opt to continue along a path toward the end of this country’s fresh water fishery. In 1492 Columbus wrote that the fish in the Grand Banks were so plentiful that they slowed his ships. What a difference a few years can make.

I would be remiss if I failed to congratulate the current Minister for his actions on this matter. This Minister has taken a personal interest in the affairs of DFO in Ontario. The Minister recently stated that “the government remains committed to protecting the inland fisheries resources, particularly of the Great Lakes…” To prove his sincerity, shortly thereafter he announced an increase to the Sea Lamprey Control budget. A move applauded by stakeholders across Ontario.

The aforementioned represents a first step however, there is much yet to do. The Committee will be presenting a report on the status of the Canadian fresh water fishery based upon information provided by individuals and groups who understand the issues better than almost anyone here; the front line stakeholders. In addition to that, I recently presented a motion in Committee calling for the long-term, adequate and priority funding of the Sea Lamprey Control program, which was adopted unanimously by the Committee Members, including the Parliamentary Secretary. I eagerly await the Minister’s response to this motion.

In conclusion, we must work, to resolve the many potentially devastating issues facing our fishery. The Great Lakes are a substantial inland resources. With that in mind, it is our duty to take a proactive leadership role in their management. By working co-operatively with stakeholders; with the U.S., through the International Joint Commission; and by consulting the Province of Ontario, we will ensure the sustainability of this resource.

Mr. Speaker, I have lived my entire life only a few miles from Lake Huron. As such, I am acutely aware of the pivotal role that the Lakes play in the socio-economic development of their bordering communities. I urge the Members of this House to realize that fact also.

It is time that we fish or cut bait. If we do not have the infrastructure, personnel and funding in place to effectively manage the Great Lakes, then we must make it available. Failure is not an option. We must learn from our past mistakes and move to ensure that the Great Lakes continue to be a valuable asset to the people and to the economies of Central Canada.