Fisheries Minister Announces External Review of Mi’kmaw Fishermen Case OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The federal Fisheries Minister, Joyce Murray, has announced an external review of the case involving three Mi’kmaw fishermen charged with fishing outside the federally regulated fishing season in Nova Scotia. The charges stem from an incident last September when the fishermen were arrested for fishing lobster after the commercial fishing season had closed. The Mi’kmaw community has argued that they have a treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood outside the regulated season. The external review will be led by Roger Tank, a former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, and Erin O’Gorman, a law professor at the University of Ottawa. The review will examine the circumstances surrounding the fishermen’s arrest, the legal framework that governs Indigenous fishing rights, and the government’s consultation and engagement efforts. “I want to assure Canadians that we are committed to protecting both fish stocks and Indigenous rights,” said Minister Murray. “This independent review will provide us with valuable insights to help us move forward in a spirit of respect and reconciliation.” The Mi’kmaw Fishermen’s Union has welcomed the announcement of the review. “We are pleased that the government has recognized the importance of this matter and is taking steps to address our concerns,” said Chief Mike Sack. The review is expected to take several months to complete. Once completed, the reviewers will provide a report to the Fisheries Minister with recommendations on how to improve the situation. The case has raised complex legal and political issues and has highlighted the ongoing tensions between commercial fishing interests and Indigenous fishing rights. The external review is expected to provide an important step towards finding a negotiated solution that respects both the interests of the Mi’kmaw community and the conservation of fish stocks.Fishermen’s Detention Raises Concerns, External Investigation OrderedFishermen’s Detention Raises Concerns, External Investigation Ordered Two Mi’kmaw fishermen, Blaise Sylliboy and Kevin Hartling, were detained in March 2024 in Nova Scotia after fishing for elvers, baby eels, following the closure of the season. The incident sparked outrage after it was revealed that the fishermen were stripped of their shoes and phones, driven to a remote location, and dropped off in the cold and rain. In response to concerns about systemic racism within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier announced an external review of the events leading to the detention. The review will involve Indigenous leadership and will examine the actions of the fisheries officers involved. Sylliboy expressed his belief that the fishermen’s rights were violated, despite their alleged illegal fishing. He and Hartling were eventually picked up by a passing truck and transported to the town of Shelburne. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident “very troubling” and ordered a full investigation. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs has long raised concerns about racism within the DFO, and has welcomed the announcement of an external review. The review will focus on the actions of the fisheries officers and the systemic issues within the DFO. The findings and recommendations will be made public upon completion of the investigation. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Indigenous rights and resource management practices. The surge in demand for eels has led to concerns about overfishing and the need for sustainable management strategies. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs has proposed their own management plan for the elver fishery. The external review is expected to address the concerns of the Mi’kmaw community and contribute to building trust and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the government.Fisheries minister announces external review of case of Mi’kmaw fishermen OTTAWA – Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray has announced that the department will be conducting an external review of the case of three Mi’kmaw fishermen who were found not guilty of fishing out of season. The review will be led by former Supreme Court of Canada justice Thomas Cromwell, and will examine the department’s handling of the case, including its decision to lay charges against the fishermen and its conduct during the trial. The minister said that the review is necessary to ensure that the department is acting fairly and in accordance with the law. “I want to assure Canadians that we are committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and that we will work to ensure that our policies and practices are consistent with our obligations under the Constitution,” Murray said. The case of the three Mi’kmaw fishermen has been closely watched by Indigenous leaders and fisheries advocates. The fishermen were charged with fishing lobster out of season in 2020, but were found not guilty by a Nova Scotia court in March 2022. The court ruled that the fishermen had a treaty right to fish for lobster, and that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans had not proven that the fishermen had exceeded their treaty rights. The department has said that it is reviewing the court’s decision, but has not yet decided whether to appeal.