Bill C-237: Allowing Newfoundlanders & Labradorians to fish any day of the week
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want to be able to fish cod 7 days a week, like the rest of Atlantic Canada.
That's why I have decided to table this bill, which we call the "Recreational Groundfish Equality Bill."
This bill will finally put Newfoundland and Labrador on an even playing field, allowing us to fish seven days a week, like the rest of Atlantic Canada. It will also offer predictability to the season, forcing regulators to announce any quota or rule changes and the opening of the season, with a minimum of 2 months' notice.
It's about making it easier to put food on our tables during this time of skyrocketing grocery costs. This will keep families safe, as they will no longer need to risk their lives in high winds and waves on their only weekend off.
Sign the Petition to Support Bill C-237!
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:
Whereas:
-
DFO science now places the Northern Cod stock nearly in the healthy zone and has reopened a successful commercial fishery.
-
Many areas of Atlantic Canada and Quebec are permitted to catch 10 fish per day, 7 days per week, despite their stocks being in the critical zone.
-
The current limit of 3 days per week for recreational fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador presents a demonstrated safety issue and reduces fair access to the fishery.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ensure that:
-
Newfoundland and Labrador waters be opened year-round for personal use cod fishing, as in pre-moratorium days.
-
The 3-day-per-week restriction be lifted to allow fishers to choose safe fishing days like the rest of Atlantic Canada.
-
Catch limits increased to 10 fish per day and limited to 40 fish per year.
-
Increasing daily catch limits be recognized as a way to reduce the overall cost of catching fish.
-
DFO work with stakeholders to develop a means of permitting and regulating this fishery and a means to collect data to inform science.
-
DFO increases penalties for non-compliance to promote conservation and to make sure rules are followed.