Planning History
In December 2008, the Coastal First Nations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada signed a shared governance agreement which formally initiated planning in the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and Coastal First Nations - Turning Point Initiative and the North Coast Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society began to establish collaborative ocean governance between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the First Nations along Canada's North Pacific Coast. This agreement formally set in motion the PNCIMA marine planning process.
In January 2011, the Nanwakolas Council, representing many of the First Nations from northern Vancouver Island, added their signatures to the Memorandum of Understanding joining those First Nations already involved in the PNCIMA process.
Yet on September 2, 2011, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) informed members of the PNCIMA steering committee that the federal government was withdrawing from $8.3 million funding agreement it had approved in January 2011. The federal government helped develop this agreement with provincial and First Nations governments and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. This decision undermined years of work by conservation groups, the fishing sector, tourism outfitters, First Nations, scientists, and coastal residents to develop an oceans management plan for Canada's North Pacific Coastal waters.
During the fall of 2011, thousands of Canadians sent messages to the Prime Minister asking to reinstate funding to continue integrated planning at all levels. Despite the strong public reaction and support for the initiative, the federal government has not re-funded the process.
The initial agreement was developed to ensure this oceans planning process was well resourced, transparent and effective. It also provided much needed funds for independent science, input from local residents and stakeholder engagement. The Prime Minister’s decision to reject this funding has limited the capacity needed to create a truly integrated plan.
First Nations and the Province of British Columbia have continued a Marine Planning Partnership and the funding relationship, but without the participation of the federal government.
The DFO is continuing with a marine planning process for the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), but with severely reduced level of public consultation and dedicated funds for research and analysis.
See a PDF copy of the letter from DFO to the PNCIMA steering committee announcing the termination of the funding agreement.
See a PDF copy of the October 19, 2011 letter from DFO to IOAC members.
See a PDF copy of the September 23rd, 2011 letter from six IOAC members to the PNCIMA steering committee.
Learn more about the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
