Province sidesteps possible health order violations in crab dispute
Newfoundland and Labrador leaders weighed in on a lingering dispute between crab fishermen and their union Tuesday, addressing both the concerns themselves and growing criticism of how recent protests violate emergency health orders against large gatherings.
The matter may be moot, as talks to resolve the impasse appeared to be bearing fruit by Tuesday afternoon.
“We know that these are difficult times for fish harvesters and plant workers and all those involved in the fishery in our province right now,” Premier Dwight Ball said during the daily COVID-19 video briefing. “But I also understand that the processors along with the harvesters have been able to make some changes in trip restrictions this morning as well.”
Fishermen gathered outside the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) union offices on Hamilton Avenue Tuesday morning and then moved to the Confederation Building. Police appealed to protesters to break up the gathering, but did not lay any charges. It’s the second protest in less than a week.
“We do understand that people’s right to gather under normal circumstances is fundamental to democracy, but we also know that these are not normal circumstances,” Ball said.
However, Health Minister Dr. John Haggie reiterated previous comments he’s made that the government cannot get involved in the actions of police. He said they’ve been given the tools to act, and it’s their call whether they do so.
The FFAW is scheduled to meet with the provincial price setting panel today, and they’re expected to ask for more than the current $2.90 per pound.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald had no new positive cases of COVID-19 to announce Tuesday, but said patience is still key as she monitors both local and national trends of the disease.
“The public health orders in place must therefore need to remain flexible and adaptable as we move through our alert levels accordingly,” she said, addressing the public, “and I implore you to follow the public health orders and guidance at every level to help keep you and your loved ones safe.”
The province has now tested more than 10,000 people in the province, but questions still persist about the rate compared to other jurisdictions in Canada.
In a straight comparison, Newfoundland and Labrador is third from the bottom.
But Fitzgerald pointed out some comparisons are misleading because this province and a few others report the number of people tested instead of the total number of tests completed.
“When we are testing, we have to have a reason to do the test,” she said.
“A lot of the places that have higher testing rates also have higher infection rates, so you’re going to be doing more testing when you find more cases. That follows logic.”
As for capacity, Haggie said there is plenty, contingent on the ability to staff the tests. The laboratory can handle 700 tests a day, and could theoretically handle 2,600 a day once new equipment is installed, he said.
LEGAL CHALLENGE
Haggie also addressed a proposed challenge by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association of the province’s travel ban enforcement powers laid out in Bill 38.
The minister said Newfoundland and Labrador is not unique in its measures.
“Every jurisdiction across the globe has regarded border control as a key issue,” he said. “Within Canada, that is also the case. If you look at P.E.I. and New Brunswick and the Territories, they have very strict border control. New Brunswick is turning away on average 35 motorists each day at their road crossings.”
He said New Brunswick has detained and/or returned 19 other travellers since its health orders were adopted.
“P.E.I. turns around vehicles on the Confederation Bridge. This is not unique to Newfoundland and Labrador.”
If you look at those jurisdictions and this province, he said, “there is a common theme there around our success at flattening the curve.”
The premier, meanwhile, said he understands the frustration that results when an exemption request for travel to the province is rejected.
“These decisions sometimes to not follow through and to say no are necessary,” he said. “It’s necessary because our objective and our priority is to save lives and to prevent the spread of this virus in our province.”
IN OTHER DEVELOPMENTS TUESDAY:
• The premier made a plea for continued organ donations, noting that 4,000 Canadians are currently waiting for life-saving surgery.
• Ball also acknowledged a $2.5-billion federal aid package for seniors, which will mean a one-time payment of $300 for those receiving Old Age Security, and an additional $200 for seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• The province has still not finalized its contribution to Ottawa’s wage subsidy for frontline workers. This, too, will be a one-time payment.
Peter Jackson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering health care for The Telegram. peter.jackson@thetelegram.com