FOPO Rapport du Comité
Si vous avez des questions ou commentaires concernant l'accessibilité à cette publication, veuillez communiquer avec nous à accessible@parl.gc.ca.
Bill C-98, An act respecting the oceans of Canada, was introduced to Parliament during the 1995-1996 legislative session. The Oceans Act received Royal Assent on 18 December 1996 and came into force on 31 January 1997. As a result of the Oceans Act, Canada is the only country in the world with comprehensive legislation dealing with oceans.
Under section 52 of the Act, the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans is required to undertake a review of the administration of the Act within three years of the Act coming into force and to submit a report to Parliament within a year after undertaking the review.
The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has completed its review of the Act. During the review, the Committee held hearings in Vancouver (British Columbia), Halifax (Nova Scotia), and Ottawa (Ontario). The Committee received many excellent presentations and wishes to express its appreciation to all of the witnesses who prepared submissions and who appeared before the Committee for their time and effort.
The Committee has concluded from its review that the Oceans Act is fundamentally sound and does not recommend any major amendments to the Act at this time. Nevertheless, the Committee has some concerns over the administration of certain aspects of the Act. Certain principles and programs that were key elements of the Act do not appear to have been as fully implemented as they could or should have been. In addition, a number of more specific concerns were raised ― particularly with respect to the creation of Marine Protected Areas and Integrated Management (Part II, Oceans Management Strategy) and marine services (Part III, Powers, Duties and Functions of the Minister) ― that the Committee believes should be given due consideration.