Many communities that have not yet reached agreements with Mr. MacKenzie are presently fishing peacefully within the commercial season, taking advantage of the increased access that was provided to them last year. I expect this will continue as more fisheries open over the weeks ahead. Fisheries agreements are a way to provide start-up assistance and planning stability to Mi kmaq and Maliseet communities. They are not a requirement in order for those communities to get access to the fishery, and they are not a prerequisite to a peaceful and orderly fishing season. At this point, it is worthwhile to reiterate my commitment to a peaceful fishery, and to the ultimate objective of ensuring the conservation of the fishery resource.
Conservation is, and always has been, our number one priority.
Fishers whether they are Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal know that conservation is key to ensuring their livelihoods, and the livelihoods of future generations. Throughout our work to increase Aboriginal participation in the commercial fishery, we also have to remember the non-Aboriginal users of the resource. DFO will continue to look for innovative and creative ways to ensure that non-Aboriginal commercial fishermen s voices are heard, and that they are able to play an active and meaningful role in the process. And it is my obligation to all fishers to continue to regulate the fishery for conservation and orderly management. Succeeding at conservation requires that all players in the fishery work together in a coherent and consistent system.