Ottawa Update June, 2005 Edition

Building a Fishery That Works

What's Happening at the FCC

Vice-Chairman Elected

The FCC Board of Directors elected Eric Roe, COO, Clearwater Seafoods Ltd. Partnership, to the position of the FCC’s Vice-Chairman. There was no nominee at the 2004 FCC annual general meeting and, as such, delegates tasked the Board to elect a Vice Chairman from among its members. Eric’s nomination received unanimous support.

WTO Negotiation

The FCC and other selected Ottawa based associations (CCC, CMEA, CCCE, chemicals, meat and other agric-food sectors) met recently regarding concerns about the slow progress of the current WTO negotiations and Canada’s apparent lack of aggressiveness in pushing for significant improvements in market access conditions. In summary, the dairy supply management sectors of Quebec and Ontario have been successful in getting the Canadian government to focus only on the protection of supply management and the Canadian Wheat Board.

The FCC stressed our need to get significant reductions in certain EU tariffs and selected Japanese tariffs. Agri-food sectors want significant improvements in a wide range of markets. CCCE wants progress on the services component of the negotiations.

Talks are continuing. FCC would like to see a coalition formed that could be a strong voice in Ottawa to counter the defensive lobby of the supply management/Canadian Wheat Board and Canada to push for at least a significant tariff reduction deal.

Marine Protected Area (MPA)

The UN’s Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) is launching into marine protected areas in the high seas and has formed a working group. Canada is on the working group. A meeting was held to prepare the delegation for the June meeting.

The FCC questions the mandate of the CBD’s high seas initiative. CBD’s role is to provide guidance, assistance, etc. to governments in their efforts to protect biodiversity; not to undertake their own initiatives. The FCC argues that the CBD should focus on developing internationally agreed guidelines regarding areas meriting the protection of an MPA. As such, the criteria and process established by Canada could serve as a model for the CBD.

Bottom Impact Vessels

With the international campaign calling for the banning of bottom impact fishing, the FCC is working with DFO’s Statistical Group to develop a profile of the Canadian bottom impact sector regarding its share of inshore and off shore Canadian landings and the number of fishermen and vessels involved.

National Dietary Guidance

Canada’s nutrition guidelines are being revamped. The new Canada Food Guide will allow key messages to be communicated. The FCC will be pushing for messages that promote the health and diet benefits of fish and seafood (Omega 3’s, naturally lean, etc.). As well, the current Food Guide fish and seafood graphics need substantial improvement.

June – Key Meetings

United Nations Informal Consultations on Oceans and the Law of the Sea, New York.

* The FCC will lead an International Coalition of Fisheries Associations delegation to the UN meeting and represent the Coalition on a panel regarding the contribution of fisheries to sustainable development.

Climate Change/ Kyoto Agreement·

* The FCC has been appointed to Environment Minister Dion’s Industry Advisory Committee. The Committee has its first meeting in June in preparation for a November conference of the parties to the agreements addressing climate change and Kyoto issues.

Endangered Species

* FCC will participate at Environment Minister Dion’s Species at Risk Advisory Committee.

NAFO

* A meeting of the NAFO industry/government advisory committee is scheduled in Halifax in preparation for the September NAFO meeting.

R&D Tax Credits

* FCC will be meeting with Revenue Canada regarding (i) eligibility criteria for fishing R&D activities and (ii) develop a streamline process for applications. This is in response to the 2005 Federal Budget which extended R&D tax credit to activities conducted outside the 12-mile territorial sea.

Trade Policy/Market Access

EU- Cooked and Peeled Shrimp

* The EU Management Committee rejected a request supported by the UK, Denmark, and Sweden to increase the 7,000mt, 6% cooked & peeled import quota to 14,000mt for 2005 and 2006. Proposed import quota increases for cod and squid products were also rejected. The Chairman of the Committee spoke strongly against making such changes at the mid-point of the current regime (i.e. 2003-2006), and also noted the continuing disagreement among France, Italy, and Spain concerning a possible increase for tuna loins and Ireland’s criticism of the current quota regime for herring products.

The FCC is discussing possible next steps with industry association colleagues in the UK, Denmark, and Sweden. The Em’s marketing division head and second in command will be visiting the UK shrimp sector in June/July to get a first hand understanding of the situation.

USA- Country of Origin Labelling (COOL)

While country of origin labelling in the USA has become mandatory for fish and seafood, segments of the US agriculture industry, particularly the red meat sector, are still trying to stop its mandatory application to other products scheduled for September 30, 2006. The lobby was successful in getting a Congressional committee to pass a funding amendment at the end of May that curtails COOL funding support at the end of this year. However, it is recognized that this initiative could face stiff opposition in the full Congress and the Senate. Nevertheless, the red meat sector is still committed to the cause to stop COOL.

FCC
2005 AGM and Conference
September 27 – 29, 2005

Registration and Program information has been mailed and our first registration has been received for the 2005 AGM and Conference in beautiful Old Montreal. The Marriot Spring Hill Suites Old Montreal will host the event. The opening night Chairman’s reception will be at the adjoining historic Auberge Le Saint Gabriel and the gala dinner/entertainment evening will be held at the Restaurant du Vieux Port.

A great program, ample networking opportunities, and exciting entertainment has been lined up. As well, for golfers, the “4th Best Golf Course in Quebec” (Globe and Mail) has been reserved. For those who don’t want to lug their clubs to Montreal, 2005 Callaway sets are available (limited quantity) for rental at $40. Mark your calendars and send in your registration form. (Available on our website soon)