Minister LeBlanc announces Independent Expert Panel on Aquaculture Science

OTTAWA, Feb. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to regulating a responsible and sustainable aquaculture sector. Robust and credible science helps the Government make evidence-based decisions that support the protection of our environment, ensuring that sustainable industries continue to provide good, middle-class jobs for Canadians.

Today, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, has asked Canada's Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, to lead an independent expert panel to provide recommendations on the appropriate use and consideration of scientific evidence in protecting the marine environment in decision-making on aquaculture. DFO prides itself in science excellence and employs world-class scientists who are committed to delivering the highest quality advice to support departmental decision-making.

The panel will also provide advice on the communication of this science, and associated decisions, to Canadians. This corresponds with the Chief Science Advisor's mandate to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and scientific analyses are considered when the Government makes decisions.

Dr. Nemer will deliver a report of the expert panel to the Ministers. The report will be made publicly available.

Quote

"Our government understands that Canadians have real concerns around aquaculture. We look forward to the recommendations of the panel led by the Chief Science Advisor on how science can be better applied to decision making and communicated to the public in support of sustainable aquaculture as we seek to remain a strong, science-based regulator of the aquaculture industry."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard                                                

Associated Links

Office of the Chief Science Advisor
Biography of Dr. Mona Nemer

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

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada