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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is asking Fisheries Minister Trevor Taylor to
advise the public when the Cashin Report on Raw Material Sharing (RMS) in
the crab industry will be released publicly. Reid is also suggesting that
government scrap the RMS system and replace it with a strengthened Final
Offer Selection system for next year’s fishery. Government announced
earlier this spring that they hired Richard Cashin to put together a report
on whether or not RMS in the crab industry helped fish harvesters and plant
workers in the province. The basis of this report would be reviewed by
government and is supposed to determine whether or not the RMS system would
proceed again next year.
"Many fish harvesters in the province are awaiting Richard Cashin’s
report with great interest," said Mr. Reid. "Most individuals that I have
spoken with in the crab sector believe the RMS system was a failure and did
nothing to strengthen their industry. In fact, the RMS scheme was a
contributing factor in what has been termed one of the most disastrous
fishing season we have ever witnessed. It is time for the minister to advise
these individuals when government expects to receive this report, and
whether or not they intend to follow its recommendations as promised earlier
this year.
"From my discussions over the past several months, it certainly appears
that the large majority of fish harvesters believe the RMS system was a
complete failure. In light of this, RMS should be scrapped and replaced with
a strengthened Final Offer Selection process that is fair to fish
harvesters. If this is proposed by Mr. Cashin, I call upon government to
follow this recommendation as they promised to do earlier this year.
"The labour disruption in this year’s crab fishery was unnecessary and
should never have happened. Unfortunately, the minister and the premier
refused to keep their commitment to consult with fish harvesters before
forcing this system on the industry. The premier made another promise
earlier this year to accept the recommendations of the Cashin Report. We
will be watching closely to ensure that this commitment, unlike his previous
commitment to consult, is followed."
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