NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2002AGF0009-000457 Oct. 18, 2001		Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
MINISTER WINDS UP FISHERIES RENEWAL B.C.

VICTORIA – Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries John van Dongen has asked for a plan to wind up Fisheries Renewal BC by the end of the fiscal year, the minister said today.

 

The decision follows a review of Fisheries Renewal BC that was launched Aug. 16. CEO Paul Kariya will provide the minister with a detailed plan to shut down the corporation with a target date of Jan. 31, 2002, and no later than March 31.

 

"Our government is committed to ensure we are delivering programs that are efficient and effective and that genuinely meet public needs," van Dongen said. "Our review indicated that the corporation is duplicating habitat enhancement resources that are available elsewhere in the public and private sectors."

 

Since Fisheries Renewal BC was established, significant new resources for habitat enhancement are now available, including $20 million from the federal government for the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund, and $140 million over four years under the Pacific Salmon Treaty for its recently created restoration and enhancement endowment funds.

 

"At a time when ministries are facing significant financial challenges, it's important that funding is managed properly and allocated where it's needed most," van Dongen said. "It's clear to me through the budget process that this decision is necessary."

 

As the corporation winds down, the ministry will continue its broader review of the province's role in fishery governance and service delivery.

 

"I thank the employees of Fisheries Renewal BC for their hard work, professionalism and service," van Dongen said.

 

-30-

Contact:          

 

Dave Townsend, Communications, 250 356-5861       

 

Visit the province's Web site at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for online information and services.