|
Kelvin Parsons, MHA for the District of Burgeo - La Poile, says the
situation facing Harbour Breton emphasizes the need for governments to
re-examine the way fish quotas are allocated. "There are communities in
the district I represent that can make a strong case for a community quota.
For example, Burgeo is a case of a traditional fishing community that should
be considered for such a quota," said Parsons.
The south coast of the province was one of the areas hardest hit by the
cod moratorium announced in 1992. "Burgeo had it’s plant shut down and
remaining quotas were taken by the processors to other plants in Nova
Scotia. The hardships caused by the loss of the plant over ten years ago are
still being felt by the community.
"The south coast has been plagued by unemployment and out-migration that
has ruined many communities that once thrived. If the Premier is willing to
look at finding a solution for Harbour Breton that includes a community
quota, then he must look in this direction for other communities, including
Burgeo."
The Premier has created a Ministerial Panel to look into issues facing
the Harbour Breton situation. Meetings will be held with MP Bill Matthews to
discuss short-term compensation issues and a long-term strategy, including
the transfer of a portion of FPI’s quota to the community for the continued
operation of the fish plant under another operator.
"We have to start looking at some of the basic policy decisions that are
being made in terms of how the fishery resources off our coast are
allocated. If this resource is to be managed in a way that is to bring
maximum benefit to the people of this province, then governments should be
looking at community quotas as an option," said Parsons.
|