CCA OBJECTS TO DEFINITION OF FISH HABITAT

The Canadian Cattleman's Association (CCA) is asking the Senate to remove a last-minute addition to the definition of fish habitat in the Fisheries Act that will make it nearly impossible for beef and agricultural producers to be in compliance with the Act. The addition of subsection 2(2) to Bill C-68 (Fisheries Act) greatly expanded what can be deemed fish habitat. Subsection 2(2) is problematic because it deems areas with the necessary water flow characteristics to sustain ecosystems of fish habitat to be fish habitat. This is the case even if there are no fish using the area for any life process. The expansion of fish habitat results in practically all water bodies being fish habitat or deemed fish habitat. Under the Act anyone would be in contravention if they alter, disrupt, or cause destruction of fish habitat.