April 16, 2014
Open Communication and Clear Action to Support the Fishery
All-Party Committee on Federal Shrimp Quota Allocations Outlines Next Steps
The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Chair of the all-party committee on Federal shrimp quota allocations, was joined today by Dwight Ball, Leader of the Official Opposition, and Lorraine Michael, Leader of the New Democratic Party, to announce the next actions of the committee.
“This committee will engage people impacted by recent Federal shrimp quota allocations, and will use the information gained to make representation to the Federal Government. Together, all parties in the House of Assembly will press for fast action from the Federal Government that addresses the concerns of the people of this province, and promotes the economic well-being of rural communities.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The committee will begin meetings next week with representatives from the shrimp fishery, members of the business community, and municipal leaders, to gather their perspectives on the potential impacts of the current Federal allocations. The committee will also create an opportunity for members of the public to provide feedback using an email address and phone number that will be announced in the coming days.
“Public engagement on this issue will be crucial for everyone in the shrimp industry as the quota reductions announced by the Federal Government will have direct impact in many areas throughout our province. The financial ramifications will not only impact plant workers and inshore fishermen in the industry, but will also have a direct effect on businesses, communities and even larger centres across Newfoundland and Labrador. I strongly encourage people across the province to participate and have their say as we prepare our presentation to the Federal Government.”
- Dwight Ball, Leader of the Official Opposition
The committee will make an official request to appear before the Federal Government’s Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, and will use the information gathered through public engagement to inform its presentation.
“Our initial meeting was very productive and encouraging. I am hopeful that we can continue to work together on behalf of the people who have been so drastically affected, and that we will effectively bring their message to Ottawa.”
- Lorraine Michael, Leader of the New Democratic Party
The committee will also make representation to the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, and other Members of Parliament and Senators. More details about how the committee will engage the Federal Government will be available in the coming days.
QUICK FACTS
- The provincial all-party committee on Federal shrimp quota allocations outlined plans today regarding public engagement and representation to the Federal Government.
- The Provincial Government acknowledges that quota reductions may be required to protect the shrimp resources off the province’s coasts, but those reductions must involve equitable distribution of the shrimp resource among inshore and offshore harvesters based on the principles of adjacency and historical dependence.
- The Provincial Government has been strongly opposed to the Federal Government’s “Last In, First Out” policy since 2010, as this policy forces inshore harvesters who have been involved in the fishery since 1997 to bear the brunt of quota cuts that are necessary to protect the stock.
- Inshore harvesters were made permanent licence holders in 2007, and have made major financial investments in the industry.
- 30 -
Media contacts:| Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca | Carla Foote Director of Communications Office of the Official Opposition 709-729-6151, 691-6673 carlafoote@gov.nl.ca |
| Jean Graham Director of Communications New Democratic Party Caucus Office 709-729-2137, 709-693-9172 jeangraham@gov.nl.ca |
2014 04 16 3:15 p.m.