Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SYDNEY- Rules for the upcoming spring fishing season were developed and announced ahead of schedule says a Department of Fisheries and Oceans spokesperson.
Minister Bernadette Jordan’s statement that L’nu moderate livelihood fisheries will be required to fish under the department’s licences and within the established commercial fishing season have received harsh criticism from First Nations representatives.
In particular, Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, the negotiating body for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs, has taken the stance that Jordan’s plan lacks the required consultation with First Nations under the Supreme Court’s 1996 Badger decision. That ruling laid out the responsibilities of the federal government when infringing on treaty rights, which include mandatory, transparent consultation with First Nations.