Fisheries and Oceans Canada

March 07, 2008 16:08 ET

The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Work to Improve Management of Fish Habitat

BRANDON, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - March 7, 2008) - The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to better conserve, protect and enhance fish and fish habitat throughout Canada.

"The Government of Canada knows that conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat is not something that can be done alone," said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Loyola Hearn. "By working with our key partners-like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities-we are able to improve the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat while ensuring the efficient review of municipal public works projects and infrastructure developments."

"Municipal governments are leaders in conservation and environmental stewardship programs that directly support the principles of sustainable development," said Councillor Gord Steeves, President of FCM. "We share the federal government's commitment to protecting fish habitat and we are eager to work with federal officials to conserve and protect those resources under the direct and indirect influence of municipalities."

"I am pleased that our government continues to maintain strong relationships with organizations such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities," said Minister Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and MP for Provencher. "This agreement is just one more example of how we are working with groups and agencies across the country for the benefit of Canadians from coast to coast to coast."

This agreement allows the Government of Canada, through Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to collaborate with the Federation to share information and develop tools to increase stewardship of fish and fish habitat, and to improve the efficiency of regulatory reviews for municipal projects that may impact fish and fish habitat.

The Memorandum of Understanding is available via the following link: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans-habitat/habitat/aboutus-apropos/partners-partenaires/fcm-dfo_e.asp.