New Democrats Take Action on NAFO Convention

Ottawa – Member of Parliament Jack Harris (St. John’s East) challenged the Conservative Government in the House of Commons today to reject the changes to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization convention amendments and file an objection to NAFO.

Minister of Fisheries, Gail Shea, refused to agree and cited the Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s support for the measures. This, however, is contradicted by a recent letter from Premier Williams to the Prime Minister criticizing the convention amendments.

“The government should be leading the way toward the custodial management outside the 200 mile limit,” said Harris, “not heading in the other direction and entering into a treaty which could see foreign involvement inside 200 miles."

This new agreement has also been widely criticized as threatening both Canadian sovereignty and fishing stock sustainability.

“The next step is to have the matter considered by the Standing Committee on ForeignAffairs and have it sent to the House of Commons for a debate and a vote,” said Harris. “I am working with Paul Dewar, our Foreign Affairs Critic, to make this happen as quickly as possible.”

“There are serious concerns about the provisions in this agreement, and committees havethe ability to prompt a debate in the House,” said Dewar (NDP Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre). “Steps are being taken to have this matter considered by the Foreign Affairs committee.”