Engaging Stakeholder and Aboriginal Groups

Fisheries and Oceans Canada engaged a number of fishery interests in the development and finalization of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework and its policies and tools:

• From October 2007 through 2008, a series of information and discussion sessions were held across Canada to gather input from Aboriginal organizations, provinces and territories, the fishing industry, and environmental non-governmental organizations.
   
• In October 2007, background on the Framework and the draft policies were posted on www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca for public review and comments. Comments were received electronically through the website and through regular mail.
   
• In April 2008, the Department also sent information on the Framework and the draft policies to approximately 400 Aboriginal and First Nations groups across the country requesting their input.

All of the feedback received through this engagement strategy was reviewed and taken into account when the policies were finalized.

Further engagement with fishery interests, including Aboriginal organizations, will take place throughout the implementation of these policies. This will be done through regional fisheries management advisory processes.