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Copyright © 2007, The Globe and Mail
GLOBE AND MAIL
IAN BAILEY
July 17, 2007
VANCOUVER — Federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn, announcing a $175-million fisheries support program yesterday, said he is uneasy with the term "racially divided," which Prime Minister Stephen Harper used last year in promising fishery reforms.
Mr. Harper used the words in a letter to the Calgary Herald, sparking an uproar among native leaders over his promise to end such programs.
The remarks hung over the news conference yesterday where Mr. Hearn made his announcement to an audience that included B.C. first nations leaders.
The minister announced a program to support an integrated Pacific commercial fishery that will be environmentally and economically sustainable.
Measures in the five-year program include a plan to help the federal government retire the licences and quotas of those who want to leave the commercial fishery, and use those resources to help first nations across B.C. enter the fishery. The plan will also include clearer harvest-sharing arrangements for the commercial salmon fishery, although no details were released yesterday.
Fisheries monitoring, catch reporting and enforcement will also be strengthened.
Mr. Hearn said he was on vacation last year when Mr. Harper’s comments were published.
"Of course, that ended my vacation," he said. "That phrase has been kicked around and used over the years. I guess it stems from basic unfairness and people use it in different ways.
"We’ve tried to avoid that. That’s why I kind of bristle when I hear the term."
B.C.’s senior federal minister, Chuck Strahl, said yesterday’s announced measures are aimed at creating an "integrated fishery" with common management and outcomes.
"We also are looking for some common rules, whether you’re talking about monitoring or traceability or so on. That’s the way to sustain the resource."
In prepared remarks, Mr. Hearn acknowledged "conflict and discord" on the Fraser River over commercial fisheries, suggesting the Tory government wants to reverse "misunderstanding and mistrust on all sides" linked to "different rules and historic grievances."
But he added: "This vision sees all commercial fishers working closely together and with environmental groups to better ensure sustainable fisheries for the future – a future that continues to recognize the right of First Nations to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes, I might add."
The announcement drew some measured praise from native leaders, many of whom were angered by the Prime Minister’s pledge.
"There are some principles here that I think are important for us to focus on that are positive," said Shawn Atleo, B.C. regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations.
Mr. Atleo said Mr. Hearn seemed to be committed to working with first nations on fisheries issues, "and that’s what we need to hear."
"I would hope the comments the Prime Minister made in the Calgary Herald a year ago wouldn’t be heard again. This shouldn’t be about dividing us. It should be about moving to advance or implement the recognition that the courts and the Constitution affords of aboriginal title and rights, and reconciling aboriginal title and Crown title."
Doug Kelly, grand chief for the Sto:lo First Nation in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver, called the announcement a "marked departure" from July’s comments.
"It offers some promise," said Mr. Kelly.
About 300 of 7,000 Sto:lo in 24 bands between Fort Langley and Yale are what Mr. Kelly described as "hard-line" fishermen with a stake in the industry, largely catching Fraser-bound sockeye.
Aboriginal leaders have called on Mr. Harper to clarify his controversial remarks about Canada’s "racially divided fisheries programs," with some chiefs warning that the Prime Minister has jeopardized treaty negotiations.
The Prime Minister’s comments seemed to refer to the federal Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy of 1992, which allows some aboriginal groups to fish commercially on certain days in specific areas.
Mr. Harper wrote: "In the coming months, we will strike a judicial inquiry into the collapse of the Fraser River salmon fishery and oppose racially divided fisheries programs." He did not elaborate.
First nations leaders noted that legal rulings have defended special fishing rights for first nations.
There was no reference yesterday to any court challenge as part of the new program.