Taking concerns to Ottawa

Tories accuse government of silence on fisheries issues

Opposition fisheries critic Colin LaVie says the P.E.I. government needs to do more to address issues affecting the industry.

LaVie recently met with federal Conservative MPs Mel Arnold and Mark Strahl, both of whom are members of the federal standing committee on fisheries and oceans.

They heard from a number of groups, including the P.E.I. Seafood Processors Association, the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association and the Prince County Fishermen’s Association about pressing issues in the Island fishery.

“It was good to meet with Mr. LaVie and the federal officials. They listened to our concerns over the carapace size increase and will be taking these concerns to Ottawa,” said Prince County Fishermen’s Association president Lee Knox.

The group discussed tuna and halibut quotas, permanent access to snow crab quota, export and trade, unilateral increases to lobster carapace size and the economic impact on Island fishers.

“Decisions are being made in Ottawa that affect the Island fishery so it’s important that federal MPs hear first-hand from Island fishers about the challenges being faced on our wharves,” said LaVie.

“It’s disappointing that the premier and fisheries minister have been so silent on these issues impacting our fishery.”