Appeal Board of the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board (PFHCB) was established under the Professional Fish Harvesters Act (the Act) to register and certify commercial fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador. Pursuant to Section 14 of the Act, any person whose certification is refused by the PFHCB, or who is dissatisfied with his or her certification level, may request an appeal with the Appeal Board of the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board (Appeal Board). The decision of the Appeal Board is final and binding on the PFHCB and the appellant.  For additional information on the PFHCB, please visit www.pfhcb.com.

Structure:

The Appeal Board comprises three ministerial appointees: two professional fish harvesters recommended by fish harvesters organizations and a Chairperson who is not a professional fish harvester appointed by the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture. The two professional fish harvester members of the Appeal Board are chosen from a list provided by the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW).  Members are appointed for up to three-year terms and may be re-appointed.  Members of the Appeal Board cannot be members of the PFHCB and vice versa.

Competency Profile:

Those who make up the Appeal Board should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• Knowledge of the commercial fish harvesting industry (asset)

The Chairperson of the Appeal Board of the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board should possess the following core competencies:

• Cannot be a current member of the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board; and
• Knowledge of the commercial fish harvesting sector and the importance to the rural economy (asset);
• Knowledge of the NL inshore fishing industry (asset);
• Board governance;
• Strategic Planning;
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and policies; and
• Financial expertise/literacy.

Qualifications:

The fish harvester representatives must be licensed and certified professional fish harvesters. All board members should possess:

• high ethical standards and integrity;
• appreciation of the Board’s responsibilities to fish harvesters;
• flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• ability to listen and work as a team member;
• no direct or indirect conflict of interest;
• strong reasoning skills;
• an understanding of obligations under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
• objectivity.

The Chairperson must be independent from professional fish harvesters (must not be a fish harvester) and should possess:

• leadership/management skills;
• previous board experience;
• high ethical standards and integrity;
• appreciation of the Board’s responsibilities to fish harvesters and the public;
• flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• ability to listen and work as a team member;
• no direct or indirect conflict of interest (i.e. participation in the fishing industry);
• strong reasoning skills;
• an understanding of obligations under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
• ability to deal professionally with confidential and sensitive information;
• objectivity; and
• effective communication skills (both oral and written).

Time Commitments:

The Appeal Board generally meets one to two times per year, depending on the number of requests for appeals in a given year.

Term:

Members are appointed for a term of up to three years, are eligible for reappointment, and can continue to serve after the expiry of their term until reappointed or replaced.