Latest news with #JoanneThompson
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada partners with the Manitoba Government to conduct an aquatic invasive species roadside inspection blitz
WINNIPEG, MB, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is conserving nature and biodiversity and protecting our freshwater, including by combatting aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels. AIS pose a serious threat to Canada's freshwater ecosystems, infrastructure, and economy. These species reproduce rapidly, disrupt native habitats, damage water intake systems, and lead to costly impacts for industries and local communities. To help protect Canada's waterways from these threats, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), in partnership with the Manitoba Government, conducted a joint roadside inspection blitz on Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) near the Manitoba-Ontario border from June 20 to 22, 2025. The goal was to stop and inspect watercraft for AIS and to ensure the watercraft were cleaned, drained and dried before crossing the provincial border. During the three-day inspection blitz, DFO's AIS Core Program and Fishery Officers, along with Manitoba Conservation Officers, Patrol Officers, and staff from their AIS program, stopped and inspected a total of 383 vehicles transporting 436 watercraft or related equipment. Of these: 326 watercraft were compliant with clean, drain, dry requirements. 110 watercraft were not cleaned, drained, or dried and failed the AIS inspection. 38 watercraft required decontamination and drivers were provided with instructions on how to comply with prevention measures in the future. 2 watercraft had visible Zebra Mussels present. Preventing the introduction and spread of AIS is essential to safeguarding Canada's waterways. Inspecting watercraft and ensuring they are properly cleaned, drained, and dried helps prevent AIS from being introduced to, and established in, new bodies of water. A second joint roadside inspection blitz is planned for later this year. Quotes "Canada's natural heritage is part of our identity. Protecting our diverse and unique waterways from the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species is vital to preserving the health of our natural environment now, and for future generations. This joint inspection blitz with the Manitoba Government demonstrates the importance of collaboration and public awareness in preventing the spread of these harmful species in our waters." The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries "Manitobans care deeply about our beautiful lakes and rivers and being able to enjoy them today and for generations to come. As the summer season begins, we appreciate the strong collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to stop the spread of AIS and to protect waterways on both sides of the Manitoba-Ontario border. I want to remind Manitobans and visitors to play their part by cleaning, draining, and drying their watercraft and equipment." The Honourable Mike Moyes, Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister "Our lakes and rivers are a part of who we are in Manitoba. They're where we gather, fish, paddle, and make memories. That's why stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species is so important. I'm proud to see this kind of hands-on collaboration between the federal and provincial governments, working together to protect the water we all depend on." The Honourable Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Quick Facts Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are freshwater or marine plants, animals, algae and micro-organisms introduced outside their natural or past distribution that have significant negative impacts on the environment, economy, society, or human health. AIS can pose a serious threat to the biodiversity of Canada's waters. After habitat loss, invasive species are the biggest threat to global biodiversity. They can grow quickly, compete with native species and alter habitats, and cost billions of dollars annually in damages to infrastructure and revenue loss in Canada. Under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, it is illegal to: introduce an aquatic species into a body of water where it is not native, unless authorized by federal, provincial or territorial law possess, transport, and release Zebra Mussels in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia import Zebra Mussels into Canada, except within the transboundary waters of the Great Lakes in Ontario and transboundary waters of Quebec Individuals who violate legislation related to aquatic invasive species may face substantial fines under provincial legislation, as well as a maximum fine of $100,000 for a first offense under the federal Fisheries Act. Associated Links Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations Identify an aquatic invasive species Report an aquatic invasive species Province of Manitoba | Aquatic Invasive Species Stay Connected SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ontario & Prairie Region
Cision Canada
30-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA EXTENDS MDA SPACE CONTRACT PROVIDING CONTINUOUS SPACE-BASED MARITIME AWARENESS AND SECURITY
BRAMPTON, ON, June 30, 2025 /CNW/ - MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced a contract extension with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (" DFO") to provide critical and continuous maritime satellite surveillance data and analytics services for dark vessel detection. This amended contract, which extends the original agreement announced in 2023, aligns with commitments outlined in the recent G7 Foreign Ministers' Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, reinforcing Canada's leadership in promoting safe, secure and sustainable maritime operations. MDA Space utilizes Maritime Insights, a satellite information service that enables nations to monitor the activity in and around their maritime economic zones, to deliver maritime services to DFO's Dark Vessel Detection program. Using multiple space-based sensors and leveraging AI-based intelligence for vessel detection, statistical voyage prediction, and analysis of fishing behaviours, Maritime Insights fuses synthetic aperture radar from MDA RADARSAT-2 with data from optical, radio frequency (RF), automatic identification systems (AIS) and vessel monitoring systems (VMS) to counter the sophisticated and deceptive techniques employed by actors conducting illegal operations on the ocean surface. As part of the contract renewal announced today, DFO has also amended its contract with MDA Space to enable future utilization of data and services from MDA CHORUS™, the company's next generation Earth observation constellation scheduled to come online in mid-2026. "Canada is a leader in international efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. MDA Space enables Canada and our partner nations to see, track and intercept illegal activities across vast ocean spaces", said the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Canada's Minister of Fisheries. "MDA's CHORUS will further strengthen Canada's robust Dark Vessel Detection platform, which delivers near real-time satellite monitoring from the Philippines to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and is a key component of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy." "As a trusted mission partner, MDA Space is committed to working with the Government of Canada to provide actionable insight and intelligence that helps safeguard ocean ecosystems and promote maritime security globally," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "With the growing sophistication of illegal maritime activities, next-generation space-based technology like MDA CHORUS will be essential to ensuring continuity of this capability in priority coverage areas of high interest." FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's ability to successfully develop new satellite technology that meets the needs of its customers. Forward looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form (AIF) dated March 7, 2025 and available on SEDAR+ at MDA Space does not undertake any obligation to update such forward looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. ABOUT MDA SPACE Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX: MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there. For more information, visit SOURCE MDA Space
Cision Canada
27-06-2025
- Cision Canada
Media Advisory - Kick-off Canada Day with Parks Canada at Signal Hill National Historic Site for the annual sunrise event Français
ST. JOHN'S, NL, June 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Parks Canada will kick off Canada Day celebrations with a special sunrise event at Signal Hill National Historic Site. The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will bring greetings on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice. The details are as follows: Date: Tuesday July 1, 2025 Time: 6 a.m. (NDT) Location: Signal Hill National Historic Site - Upper Parking Lot St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador **Note - media will be permitted to park their vehicles at the upper parking lot (adjacent to Cabot Tower). SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
Cision Canada
27-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada Enhances Safety and Strengthens Local Fisheries by Reconstructing Torbay Wharf Français
TORBAY, NL, /CNW/ - Small craft harbours are the heart of coastal communities, bringing people together for both work and leisure. Investing in infrastructure is essential to strengthen local commercial and recreational fisheries and provide reliable and safe harbours for their users. Nationally, these harbours support over 45,000 Canadians employed in the fish and seafood industry. In line with the Government of Canada's commitment to economic growth and support for coastal communities, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced a $4.1 million investment for the reconstruction of the Torbay wharf in Newfoundland and Labrador which is a hub for commerce, community and local culture. To improve safety, existing infrastructure will be removed and replaced with a new timber wharf and concrete spray wall, specially designed to withstand extreme weather events resulting from climate change. The reconstructed wharf, expected to be completed in May 2026, will support the region's economy and culture by boosting commercial and recreational fisheries, which provides jobs and help preserves the community's traditions and way of life. Many small craft harbours, like Torbay Wharf, are the economic engines fueling coastal, rural and Indigenous communities across Canada. Keeping them in good working condition and resilient from weather challenges supports the economies and traditions of these important communities. Quotes "Ensuring that commercial harvesters and coastal communities have access to modern, resilient infrastructure is essential for Canada's economic strength and sustainability. By investing in the rebuilding and upgrading of harbours, we are not only supporting local industries but also fortifying our harbours against severe weather and climate challenges. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Harbour Authority of Torbay volunteers for their dedication—your work strengthens our communities and ensures that harvesters can continue to operate effectively." The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries Quick Facts Budget 2024 invested $463 million over three years to support Canada's small craft harbours. More than $100 million of this funding has been allocated to 26 harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador, including in Torbay. Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities, which are incorporated, not-for-profit organizations that manage and operate facilities for local users. There are approximately 1000 volunteers in harbour authorities across Newfoundland and Labrador. The main contract for this work has been awarded to Exploits Welding and Machine Shop Limited. Small Craft Harbours Program Stay Connected SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
CTV News
22-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
N.B. striped bass association says DFO management order abandons science, fishermen's union disagrees
The Striped Bass Association – Miramichi Chapter said it's concerned about the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' (DFO) 'abandonment of science' in a striped bass management order for the Gulf of St. Lawrence released Friday. The DFO order requires anybody fishing for gaspereau to keep up to 500 incidentally caught striped bass daily. 'For the reasons described in the memorandum before me, I am of the view that a threat to the proper management and control of fisheries exists and that prompt measures are required to address that threat,' said Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson in the order. The memorandum was not included in the minister's release. An administrator with the Striped Bass Association said they are demanding DFO release the evidence and internal advice supporting of the order. They are also requesting a meeting with DFO to discuss striped bass and the consequences of changes to management policy. 'These actions are being taken despite the most recent population data showing striped bass numbers in decline, currently estimated at just 345,000,' said Nick Noel in the association's release. 'This places the population barely above the Limit Reference Point (LRP) and squarely within the Cautionary Zone—a status that would typically prompt greater conservation, not increased harvest.' The Maritime Fishermen's Union (MFU) said the striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence is 'out of control' and threatening other fisheries in a news release on June 10. The executive director of the union said gaspereau fishers were catching up to 5,000 striped bass in their nets last year but this year it can be as many as 25,000. 'It has become impossible for them to sort through them,' said Martin Mallet. 'They have to throw their entire catch back into the water. So, it's a fishing effort that yields nothing, but the fishermen still have to pay the expenses.' Mallet said they've been pressuring DFO to review its research on striped bass. 'DFO told us in 2024 that, according to scientific assessments, there has been a decline in the population. It's hard for us to believe that,' Mallet said. 'The species is overflowing its natural habitat, riverside fishermen are catching more and more of them, and our lobster fishermen are reporting an abundance of this fish in their traps.' The Striped Bass Association said it's critical that fisheries management is guided by science – not politics – in a response to a CTV News story about the MFU's concerns. It said the striped bass population has been stable since 2015 with the exception of one anomalous year. DFO's new order comes after other recent decisions regarding striped bass, including: an experimental project launched in April allowing striped bass bycatch retention in the lobster fishery an increase in the Indigenous striped bass quota to 175,000 from 50,000 in July 2024 daily bag limit increased to four fish between 50 and 65 centimetres for recreational striped bass fishing in April 2024 The Atlantic Salmon Federation has advocated for striped bass population controls including culling to balance the ecosystem for salmon smolts. DFO was unavailable for comment regarding the management order or requests to see the memorandum referenced in the minister's letter. A representative said the department would respond to CTV Atlantic as soon as possible.
