The federal program that has helped First Nations in the Maritimes and Quebec build up their commercial fishery has funding to carry it through the current fiscal year – but what happens then?

If effectiveness and popularity mean anything, it should continue. A recent evaluation of the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fishery Initiative (AICFI) showed excellent results.
And Fisheries and Oceans Minister Hunter Tootoo has “got an earful” from First Nations about keeping it going.

Federal sources say that good results, strong support, and the Minister’s own interest all give hope for the program’s continuation. But there’s still no guarantee.
The 31 AICFI-linked First Nations now operate 206 inshore and 88 midshore fishing craft, for a total of 294 vessels. And the employment numbers are major.
Nearly 1,300 people work in fishing itself. Almost 250 more work in activities such as processing, marine servicing, and aquaculture.

Fisheries is now said to be the main employment opportunity for Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations. There’s good interest, and some communities have waiting lists for fishing jobs.

The AICFI program began in 2007 as a response to the 1999 Supreme Court decision in the Marshall case, which affirmed Indigenous treaty rights to catch and sell fish. The program has contributed more than $62.9 million in funding.

A business development team collaborates with staff at the various First Nations ...