Opposition Leader to meet with federal fisheries minister

Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones will travel to Ottawa tomorrow to meet with Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea. Jones will speak to the minister about several issues important to the province’s fishery, including proposed NAFO amendments, the seal hunt and outstanding tax issues that affects between 600-800 fish harvesters.

“I am going to take this opportunity to stress the importance of our fishery to the economic well-being of our province,” said Ms. Jones. “There are many issues that need to be addressed and brought to the attention of the federal minister. Without any provincial representatives in the federal cabinet, we must take these opportunities to ensure our message is heard.

“I will strongly encourage the federal government to reject proposed amendments to NAFO and protect the east coast fishery for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Unfortunately, I do not see how these amendments will do anything but weaken our fishery and our access to the resources from which so many people in our region make their living.

“In addition, I will lobby to have the province’s seal fishery strengthened and ensure the minister recognizes the importance of a strong and vibrant hunt. While the European Union may have placed a ban on our seal products, we must challenge the federal government to do everything in their power to protect our hunt, including action at the World Trade Organization.”

Jones says she will also take the opportunity to address the outstanding tax issues facing hundreds of fish harvesters and their families that has been championed by Elizabeth Harvey of Isle aux Morts.

“These fish harvesters were inappropriately taxed under the fish license sell-back program and are entitled to receive a collective refund of between $25-30 million. I do not feel that the federal government has taken any action to correct this obvious wrong and I will challenge the minister to fix this injustice.”

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