|
Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says government should help struggling fish
harvesters who are experiencing financial hardship and bankruptcy as a
result of the poor fishing season in this year’s crab industry. The crab
fishery experienced many difficulties this year that have negatively
impacted on fish harvesters. The federal government cut crab quotas in the
province, the price of crab dropped, soft shell crab impacted on quality
product that could be sold, and government’s insistence to implement a
production quota system created a delay in this year’s fishery.
"I have been receiving an increasing number of phone calls from fish
harvesters who are suffering financially because of the problems that faced
the crab industry this year," said Mr. Reid. "Some fish harvesters fear they
will have to seek bankruptcy protection or lose their boats and homes. It is
time this government put aside their petty politics and help these hard
working Newfoundlanders and Labradorians before they are forced to give up
their livelihoods and move to the mainland.
"On the northeast coast and southern Labrador, many fish harvesters have
already been forced to move away to get employment. More people will leave
if nothing is done to help. It is time for this government to step forward
and provide an assistance program that will help these affected people. If
nothing is done, the livelihoods of these desperate people will be
negatively impacted because of one year of financial hardship that was
partially caused by the heavy-handed approach of the Williams Government."
|