Fisheries and Oceans Canada consults with Canadians on Ticketing for Minor Fisheries Violations

OTTAWA, Dec. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Fisheries are an important natural resource and the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that resource remains healthy and sustainable for the benefit of all Canadians. As part of its enforcement approach, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is currently seeking the public's opinion on its plans to expand the use of tickets for minor fishing violations.

Many minor fishing violations, such as failure to carry or produce a licence, currently involve charges and court appearances, which are often disproportionate, burdensome and stressful experiences for citizens. DFO plans to seek regulatory amendments to expand the use of ticketing under the Contraventions Act for various minor regulations offences that fall under the Fisheries Act. An updated ticketing regime will enable citizens to instead pay a predetermined fine for minor commercial and recreational fishing infractions. This initiative will allow DFO Fishery Officers to devote more of their time and efforts to high priority files in their important work of conservation and protection of Canada's fisheries.

The Government of Canada is committed to open and transparent communication and consulting with Indigenous groups, stakeholders and the public, on the proposed expanded use of ticketing for minor fisheries violations.

Our online consultations on this issue are currently open and welcome the views of all Canadians on the Department's proposed updated ticketing regime. Our online consultations will continue until January 31, 2018. Have your say; we want to hear from you!

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"Fisheries are an important natural resource for Canadians, and we are committed to protecting these precious natural resources by ensuring that fisheries regulations are enforced. We're seeking Canadians' views on an updated ticketing regime that aims to decrease the burden on the court system by enforcing minor fisheries violations outside the court system. This will empower fishery officers by allowing them to focus more of their time responding and investigating more major violations, with the outcome of better conservation and protection of our fish and fish habitat. We all have a duty to protect our resources for generations to come."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Associated Link

Updated Ticketing Regime Consultations Page 

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada