Short Title
This Act may be cited as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Act.
Establishment of the Department
There is hereby established a department of the Government of Canada called the Department of Fisheries and Oceans over which the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans appointed by commission under the Great Seal shall preside.
The Minister holds office during pleasure and has the management and direction of the Department.
The Governor in Council may appoint an officer called the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to hold office during pleasure and to be the deputy head of the Department.
Powers, Duties and Functions of the Minister
The powers, duties and functions of the Minister extend to and include all matters over which Parliament has jurisdiction, not by law assigned to any other department, board or agency of the Government of Canada, relating to
sea coast and inland fisheries;
fishing and recreational harbours;
hydrography and marine sciences; and
the coordination of the policies and programs of the Government of Canada respecting oceans.
The powers, duties and functions of the Minister also extend to and include such other matters, relating to oceans and over which Parliament has jurisdiction, as are by law assigned to the Minister.
In carrying out activities in relation to the maritime domain, the Minister may receive information that
relates to an activity that undermines the security of Canada, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Security of Canada Information Disclosure Act; and
is relevant to his or her support of a Government of Canada institution, as defined in that section, that has jurisdiction or responsibilities under an Act of Parliament or another lawful authority in respect of those activities, including their detection, identification, analysis, prevention, investigation or disruption.
Agreements
The Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into agreements with the government of any province or any agency thereof respecting the carrying out of programs for which the Minister is responsible.
Annual Report
The Minister shall, on or before the 31st day of January next following the end of each fiscal year or, if Parliament is not then sitting, on any of the first five days next thereafter that either House of Parliament is sitting, submit to Parliament a report showing the operations of the Department for that fiscal year.