The time has come for Premier Williams to move forward with a cabinet shuffle and ensure there is a full-time Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones. The fishery post has had a part-time minister since the hasty resignation and departure of Tom Rideout in May.

“The fishing industry has tremendous economic value to the overall performance of the province’s economy,” said Ms. Jones. “Last year, the landed value of fishery product was $1.5 billion and its importance must be recognized. Some sectors of the fishing industry continue to perform well, but there are still many challenges that lie ahead.”

Jones noted that issues such as new fish processing licences, the future of the sealing industry, financial support and early retirement for fish harvesters and plant workers, and improved infrastructure are dominating discussions in the fishery industry.

“This government has a poor track record when it comes to the fishery. In 2005, Premier Williams and then Fisheries Minister Trevor Taylor brought forward a raw material sharing plan that shut down the industry for weeks. In addition, towns such as Harbour Breton have seen their workforce reduced significantly because of fishery restructuring. This government has never focused on the fishery and the fact that the premier has yet to put a full-time minister into that role demonstrates that lack of commitment.

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