Senate amendments to the recently passed Fisheries Act repealed the ‘Deeming Habitat’ provision opposed by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
The provision would have greatly expanded what could be deemed fish habitat to include any watercourse or water body with water flows able to sustain fish ecosystems. It would have meant virtually all water bodies could become fish habitats that no one could alter, disrupt or destroy.
The CCA wants government to streamline the approval process for small and low-risk activities.
Fisheries staff have promised to consult with the ag sector on development of the regulations over the next year.
