Should Independent Fishers Keep Control of Atlantic Inshore Fisheries?

Official title: Examine and report on the independence of commercial inshore fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, and the policies and legislative tools used by the Government of Canada to preserve it, such as the Owner-Operator Policy

open Policy & Studies Economy & Jobs Natural Resources
The Senate is studying whether independent fishers are losing control of Atlantic Canada's inshore fisheries to corporations. The Owner-Operator Policy was designed to keep fishing licenses in the hands of working fishers, not investors. But is it still working? The committee wants to know if current rules are enough to protect fishing communities.

Why This Matters

Live in a coastal Atlantic community? Fishing isn't just an industry—it's the economic backbone. When corporations buy up licenses, profits leave town and local jobs disappear. This study could shape whether your community stays a fishing village or becomes a corporate outpost.

What Could Change

The Senate could recommend strengthening the Owner-Operator Policy to close loopholes that let corporations control licenses through 'controlling agreements.' New rules might require license holders to actually fish, not just lease to others. DFO enforcement could get more resources to crack down on violations.

Key Issues

  • Is the Owner-Operator Policy effectively keeping fishing licenses in the hands of independent fishers?
  • Are corporations using loopholes like 'controlling agreements' to take over inshore fisheries?
  • What legislative tools are needed to preserve independent fishing communities?

How to Participate

  1. Visit the committee page to follow the study's progress and find meeting schedules.
  2. Check the Briefs & other documents section to see if the committee is accepting written submissions.
  3. Watch committee hearings live or on-demand through Senate ParlVU.

Key Documents