Cheers & Jeers
JEERS: To the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans for closing the spring lobster season this coming Thursday, June 29, a full day earlier than the usual closing date of June 30. Yes, fishermen set traps a day earlier than usual, on Saturday, April 29. But only because the normal setting day of April 30 was on Sunday. The first landing day was still May 1 so how can DFO argue that fishermen got an early start to season? And don’t forget that most of May and early June was cold and damp, and fishermen missed a number of days because of poor weather. Yes, prices were up but landings were down. Fishermen deserve to have a regular fishing day on June 30.
JEERS: To the P.E.I. government, and in particular its communication team, for feeling the need to include a provincial cabinet minister in every news release and photo sent by Island Information Services. The province, through its communication branch, sends out important information for Islanders. But we do not need to see a smiling politician in every photo. In the past couple of weeks, Education Minister Doug Currie’s photo was included in a news release announcing dates for high school graduations. Agriculture Minister Alan McIsaac’s mug was included with a release about a directory of where to purchase fresh food. And Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald’s photo was included, along with Malpeque MP Wayne Easter, with a release on a new business. Taxpayers’ dollars can be better spent than having a provincial photographer chasing politicians around the Island. Tell us what we need to know. Keep the minister out of the picture.
CHEERS: To the Morell Sportsman’s Dinner for having a female and male share guest speaker honours this year. The July 15 event will spotlight Sinead Kerr, a two-time Scottish Winter Olympic figure skater; and Grant Marshall, who won Stanley Cups with Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils. The duo, who married a year ago, performed together on CBC’s Battle of the Blades. Kerr represented Great Britain in ice dancing at the Olympics, teaming with her brother John Kerr. They are two-time European bronze medalists. They placed 10th at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, and 8th at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Marshall is a former P.E.I. summer resident. The Morell dinner was begun some 55 years ago in support of the community arena.
CHEERS: To all road workers who play a valuable role in keeping traffic flowing during the P.E.I. road construction season. A reader called to say we all complain about them or curse the delays but they are doing their best to keep us safe, and they have to do it standing out in the heat, rain and wind.
CHEERS: To Atlantic Beef Products of Albany for providing three donations each of 150 kilograms of ground beef to Island food banks as a means of thanking beef producers, celebrate Canada 150 and supporting those food banks.