Fish Processing Licensing Board

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Fish Processing Licensing Board (FPLB) is an arms-length government entity that provides an open and transparent decision-making process for fish processing licensing that is accountable to the public. The mandate of the FPLB is to make public recommendations on all fish processing licence proposals or requests made to the Provincial Government.  Only the routine renewal of fish processing licences is exempt from this process.  The FPLB's main objectives are to assess and make recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (the Minister) regarding:

• Licensing applications, including applications for new licences, change of operator, and the consolidation and transfer of fish processing licences;
• Applications for the addition of new species to existing fish processing licences and, where appropriate, recommendations regarding licensing on a regional basis;
• Corporate concentration, merger, and acquisition issues in the context of fish processing licensing matters; and
• Appeals to reinstate licences cancelled, as a result of not meeting the activity requirements outlined in the Fish Processing Licensing Policy Manual.

The FPLB is also subject to other objectives which the Minister may determine. The FPLB makes recommendations to the Minister, and the Minister makes the final decision on all licensing matters. Its recommendations to the Minister are made public, as are the final decisions of the Minister. To ensure equity and impartially, all FPLB members are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. For additional information on the role of the Fish Processing Licensing Board, please visit http://www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/licensing/board/index.html.

Structure:

As specified in the Fish Processing Licensing Board Act (the Act), the membership of the FPLB consists of five members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.  One member of the FPLB is designated as the Chairperson by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, and one member is elected Vice-Chairperson by an internal vote of FPLB members.  FPLB members are appointed for a period of four years.

A board member who, during the course of his or her term, acquires holdings or interests or changes his or her holdings or interests in the fish processing sector, the fish harvesting sector or a related sector shall report that acquisition or change to the Minister.

Competency Profile:

Members of the Board should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• knowledge of and/or experience with the province’s fish and seafood industry;
• an understanding of the structure and operations of the fish processing sector;
• commitment to the sustainability and viability of the province’s fishing industry;
• high ethical standards and integrity;
• appreciation of the responsibilities to the public;
• flexible, responsive, and willing to consider others' opinions;
• ability to listen and work as a team member;
• strong reasoning and decision-making skills;
• an understanding of obligations under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act; and
• objectivity.

Qualifications:

Members of the Board should possess the following qualifications:

• independence from any particular fish processing union, association, harvesting group or service provider;
• an ability to interpret policies;
• an ability to assess and interpret business proposals and understand financial documents; and
• capability to have a wide perspective on issues.

Time Commitments:

Members of the FPLB should be available to meet at various times throughout the year, in person or via teleconference and, according to the Act, there shall be no fewer than two meetings in a calendar year. The number of meetings varies from year to year depending on the number of applications received.  FPLB members may also be expected to spend additional time to review materials and prepare for meetings.

Term:

FPLB members are appointed for a period of four years, are eligible for re-appointment, and can continue to serve until reappointed or replaced.