Nunavut – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for the Territories, welcomes today’s announcement by the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.  Minister Shea announced that the Canadian total allowable catch (TAC) for the Northwest Atlantic Fishery Organization (NAFO) Division 0B Greenland halibut (turbot) fishery has been set at 7,000 tonnes.  This is an increase of 1,500 tonnes from last year.  Nunavut will receive 90 per cent of the increase and Inuit fishers in Nunavik will receive the remaining 10 per cent.

“Today’s announcement by Minister Shea increases Nunavut’s turbot allocation and shows the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting economic development in Canada’s North,” said Aglukkaq.  “We recognize that fishing is part of Nunavummiut heritage and supporting the commercial fishing industry is a means to help ensure that the industry will continue to grow and prosper economically.”

The Government of Canada has made increasing economic development in the North a key plank in its Northern Strategy.  Actions such as this announcement continue to advance the interest of Nunavummiut.

“I am working hard to ensure Nunavummiut’s voices are heard and I encourage all my constituents to contact my office if they need assistance,” Aglukkaq concluded.