was sparked by Alaskan processors concerned about a growing
trend by Canadians to purchase raw fish in Alaska.

In particular, a move by the Prince Rupert Co-op to
purchase raw herring in the United States set the wheels in
motion for this verdict.

We have no argument with U.S. processors who want the
same protection for foreign buyers as we do in Canada. It is
the right of countries to determine how raw resources will
be used.

But instead of giving the U.S. processors the
protection they were seeking, the GATT ruling strips our
rights.

The ruling must now proceed to the full GATT body, an
organization of some 92 countries.

It is imperative that the federal and provincial
governments act now to stop the panel recommendations from
becoming accepted by the whole organization.

This council, and many others across the province, are
being approached and asked to lend their voice to the
growing number of organizations:‘and individuals who are
opposed to the destruction of our fishing industry.

We would like to end our presentation with a concern
regarding the free trade agreement.

It appears clear to us that should the free trade

agreement pass, Canada would be forced to follow GATT

rulings. It states this in the tantative agreement.