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Gerry Reid, Opposition Fisheries Critic and MHA for the District of
Twillingate-Fogo, says that Fisheries Minister Trevor Taylor reneged on
government’s promise to accept whatever recommendation Richard Cashin makes
regarding the Raw Material Sharing pilot project in the crab industry. On
the Fisheries Broadcast on Friday afternoon, Minister Taylor indicated that
the status quo in the crab fishery was not acceptable to government. The
minister elaborated that if Mr. Cashin did not agree with the pilot project
system, he should be prepared to bring forth another alternative, but a
return to the current system was not part of government’s plan.
"Minister Taylor’s comments on Friday demonstrate that this process is
not totally independent," said Mr. Reid. "Premier Williams and Minister
Taylor were stating just a week ago that government would accept whatever
recommendation Mr. Cashin brought forward at the end of the pilot project.
The minister proved this to be untrue in his comments on Friday.
"If government was going to permit Mr. Cashin to make his independent
recommendation, there would be no conditions attached. However, the minister
has already stated that if the recommendation is to return to the current
system, it will be rejected by government. How is this a fair and
independent process?
"It appears this government will only accept recommendations that serve
their own political interests. If Premier Williams and Minister Taylor are
truly committed to an improved crab fishery, I suggest he allow Mr. Cashin
to do his evaluation and allow him to make his recommendation. Stating what
is and is not acceptable will do nothing to find an acceptable long-term
plan for the crab fishery in this province." |