Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, molluscan shellfish, and marine conservation. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Fisheries channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Environment and Agri-Food.

Dates: 2025-11-23 to 2025-11-29

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• FOPO: Review of the Fisheries Act, December 2: The House of Commons Fisheries and Oceans Committee will meet December 2 to review the Fisheries Act, with testimony from fishery officers, commercial fishermen, and representatives from the Association des crabiers acadiens.
• FOPO: Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26, December 4: A televised FOPO meeting on December 4 will examine the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26 for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, including testimony from Minister Joanne Thompson and departmental officials.
• ENVI: Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26, December 1: The Environment and Sustainable Development Committee meets December 1 to consider Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26 for the Department of the Environment and Parks Canada Agency, with Minister Julie Dabrusin and senior officials scheduled to appear.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee: In Camera Session, December 2: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will hold an in camera meeting by videoconference on December 2 at 6:30 p.m.
• Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee: Ocean Carbon Sequestration, December 4: The Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans will meet in camera on December 4 to consider ocean carbon sequestration in Canada and review a draft report.

Canadian Federal Government News

House Fisheries Committee Reviews Progress on Marine Protected Areas

On November 25, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) convened to discuss the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). Jerry DeMarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, reported that federal agencies are not on track to achieve the 2025 goal of protecting 25% of marine ecosystems, with current coverage at 15.5%. Kathy Graham of Fisheries and Oceans Canada noted ongoing partnerships with Indigenous communities and industry stakeholders, while Tara Shannon of Environment and Climate Change Canada and David Millar of Parks Canada described the collaborative approach to conservation. Discussion addressed industry trust, economic considerations, and the status of consultations with industry. DeMarco clarified that the protection targets are government objectives, not legally binding, and stated that fishing activity within MPAs remains permissible unless it threatens conservation aims. The committee called for improved transparency and communication regarding the impacts of MPAs.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Fisheries Act Enforcement and Indigenous Rights Addressed in Parliament

At a November 27 FOPO meeting, enforcement of the Fisheries Act in Atlantic Canada was discussed, with particular attention to Indigenous rights and systemic discrimination. Hannah Rogers from the Department of the Environment discussed trends in fisheries violations, including the addition of substances to fish-bearing waters. Shannon O'Connor of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada outlined challenges in prosecuting fisheries-related offences in First Nations communities, referencing Section 35 rights and the need for constitutional expertise. The conversation included clarification of the legality of cash transactions in fisheries, the independence of prosecution services, and consideration of administrative monetary penalties as alternatives to court actions. O'Connor emphasized decisions are case-specific and not subject to political direction.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

DFO Secures Conviction for Illegal Shellfish Harvesting in British Columbia

Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced a $5,000 fine for Albert Joseph Thomas Blaney following a conviction for illegal possession and fishing without a licence in Campbell River, B.C. The incident, dating to January 2023, involved the discovery of approximately 1,750 pounds of clams in 22 sacks lacking proper documentation during a routine inspection at the Heriot Bay B.C. Ferries terminal. No commercial shellfish harvest was open at the time. The conviction supports DFO’s mandate to enforce the Fisheries Act and deter unauthorized harvesting in Canadian waters.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Aquaculture Sales Increase by 8.8% in 2024

Statistics Canada reported that Canadian aquaculture sales rose 8.8% year over year to $1.4 billion in 2024, while production expenses increased by 7.0%. Newfoundland and Labrador saw the largest gain at +41.9%, followed by New Brunswick at +11.2%. These provinces accounted for the majority of the national growth in aquaculture sales.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada Re-elected to International Maritime Organization Council

Transport Canada announced Canada’s re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 term. Canada participates in setting global standards for shipping safety, security, and environmental performance, and follows IMO conventions such as SOLAS and MARPOL. Continued involvement is positioned as critical for international regulatory development affecting marine shipping, trade, and environmental protection.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Ocean Supercluster Announcement Highlights New Technology Projects

On November 26, Parliamentary Secretary Taleeb Noormohamed shared details on new ocean technology projects in Vancouver, supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. The initiative is advancing projects that aim to transform the ocean economy through technological innovation. Specific project details were scheduled for public disclosure at the event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Guilbeault Addresses COP30 on Biodiversity and Marine Protection

Minister Steven Guilbeault concluded Canada’s participation at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, reaffirming the country's commitment to the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. Canada has invested over $12 billion in nature conservation and aims to protect 30% of its land and oceans by 2030. Parks Canada reports that 13.8% of land and 15.6% of oceans are currently protected or conserved. The Minister cited ongoing collaboration with Indigenous groups and highlighted the federal government’s support for Indigenous Guardians initiatives and new conservation financing models.

Sources: www.canada.ca

House of Commons Debates Renewal of BC Fisheries Programs and Habitat Restoration

During the House sitting on November 26, the Member for Courtenay—Alberni called for renewed federal support for fisheries programs in British Columbia, particularly for salmon recovery and habitat restoration. The session also addressed issues such as trade, environmental policy, crime rates, and economic challenges, with opposition members questioning the government’s environmental and economic record.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

House International Trade Committee Examines Forced Labor Import Ban and Supply Chain Traceability

On November 27, the Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) reviewed Canada’s enforcement of the import ban on goods produced by forced labor. Alexander Lawton and Graeme Hamilton of the CBSA discussed the process of detaining goods and collaborating with U.S. and Mexican authorities. Challenges in supply chain traceability and gaps in enforcement compared to the U.S. were discussed, along with the need for improved information sharing and importer education.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Studies Offshore Petroleum Industry and Fishing Industry Relations

The Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources met on November 25 to study Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum sector. Max Ruelokke discussed safety improvements and the effect of Bill C-49 on exploration, while Ashley Woodford of One Ocean described efforts to facilitate communication between fishing and petroleum stakeholders. Senators questioned the panel on oil spill risks, regulatory standards, and the relationship between fishing and offshore resource activities.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Opens Lobster Season and Urges Safety Compliance

The Nova Scotia government marked the start of lobster fishing season in southwest Nova Scotia on November 24, reminding fishing crews of safety requirements and the importance of following occupational health and safety laws.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Photographic Coverage of Dumping Day as Lobster Season Begins in Nova Scotia

The first day of lobster season in Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34 saw crews departing before daylight and local communities observing the event. The province shared photos from Yarmouth County documenting the start of the season.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Minister Approves Planning Amendments for Dartmouth Cove Water Lots

Nova Scotia’s Municipal Affairs Minister approved planning changes for Dartmouth Cove with amendments requiring municipal confirmation of jurisdiction and authority over infilling regulations, referencing federal support in past decisions.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Quebec and Canada Increase Investment in Saint-Hyacinthe Wastewater Plant Upgrade

The governments of Canada and Quebec announced additional funding for Saint-Hyacinthe's wastewater treatment plant, bringing the total project investment to nearly $50 million.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Allocates $3.3 Million to Upgrade Saint-Célestin Wastewater Treatment Facility

The Quebec government confirmed a grant of $3,376,865 for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and pumping station in Saint-Célestin.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

DFO Launches Consultation on Great Slave Lake Integrated Fisheries Management Plan

Fisheries and Oceans Canada opened a consultation to collect input from current and former commercial fishers on the state of the Great Slave Lake fishery. The feedback will inform the development of an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan.

Sources: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Some commercial lobster fishers say Indigenous treaty fishing threatens stocks. Government memo says otherwise: Commercial and Indigenous perspectives on lobster stock impacts are contrasted with internal government analysis.
• Why some in P.E.I.’s struggling wild oyster industry say government’s retraining subsidies don’t fit their reality: PEI wild oyster workers discuss challenges with retraining subsidy programs.
• Canada can restore healthy fish populations within a decade: report: A new report examines the timeline for restoring Canadian fish stocks.
• Paulatuk using acoustic tags to track whereabouts of Arctic char amid changing climate: Acoustic monitoring technology is used to study Arctic char migration.
• Conservative MPs question basis of 30% marine protected areas target: Parliamentary debate scrutinizes the federal government’s marine conservation targets.

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