Opposition Leader raises fisheries issues with federal minister

Meetings earlier today with Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea provided an opportunity to discuss some of the important issues in the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

Jones traveled to Ottawa earlier today to meet with the federal minister to discuss issues such as proposed NAFO amendments, the seal hunt, outstanding tax issues that affect between 600-800 fish harvesters and small crafts and harbour funding in Labrador.

“I had an open and frank discussion with Minister Shea on important fisheries issues in our province,” said Ms. Jones. “While we certainly didn’t agree on every issue discussed, I feel it was valuable meeting that strengthened the minister’s understanding of our issues. Minister Shea certainly indicated that she was willing to work with our province and we must take advantage of these opportunities, especially when there is no representative from this province sitting at the cabinet table.

“The minister expressed her support for the province’s seal hunt and indicated that her department is looking at a strategy to develop new markets in Asia. In addition, they have already implemented programs through ACOA for research and development of new seal products. I committed to work with the minister in strengthening our seal fishery and fostering any activity that will benefit the people of the province. The sealing industry in the province went from a value of $55 million in 2006 down to $24 million in 2008. This is an industry that employs over 6,000 people directly and indirectly and in some cases the seal industry can represent up to 30 per cent of the annual income of some families.

“I was disappointed to learn that the proposed NAFO amendments will move forward. Regardless of the vote in the House of Commons, the federal government is planning to ratify the changes to the NAFO treaty. I expressed my disappointment that they were so entrenched in their position and asked for reconsideration and again provided the detailed concerns that have been expressed by fishery leaders and activists in our province. I can only hope that this message gets through before the federal government ratifies these amendments.

“As it relates to the outstanding tax issues facing hundreds of fish harvesters and their families who were inappropriately taxed under the fish license buy-back program, the minister is prepared to look into the cases, but provided no commitment that the federal government would change its position.”

 Jones impressed upon the minister the injustice that has been done to these fishers in Newfoundland and Labrador and that it was unacceptable that they didn’t receive a fair hearing within the Government of Canada and she hoped the minister will follow-up on this matter.

“I also took this opportunity to discuss funding for small crafts and harbours in my district and lobby for additional investment in Labrador. I specifically asked that infrastructure facilities in the Towns of Mary’s Harbour and Pinsent’s Arm be designated as small craft and harbour ports. The Town of Mary’s Harbour has landed values of $3 million per year, the second largest fish landing port in Labrador. Pinsent’s Arm has a fish plant that employs most people in the community and has an estimated landed value of $600,000 annually. In the past, Labrador has divested 11 small craft and harbour ports that were funded through the federal government and it is only fitting now that these two ports with such strong fishing activity be added to the program. The minister has agreed to look into this issue and come to Labrador in the near future to see first-hand the infrastructure needs of our region.”

Jones also raised the issue of small craft and harbours for Forteau, Charlottetown, Battle Harbour and Makkovik, all of which currently have applications before the federal government. The issue of small craft and harbours has also been previously raised with the federal minister by Labrador MP Todd Russell.