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:
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.
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.
Members of the Board should collectively possess the following core competencies:
Members of the Board should possess the following qualifications:
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.
FPLB members are appointed for a period of four years, are eligible for re-appointment, and can continue to serve until reappointed or replaced.