Province’s response to fisheries crisis underestimates the dire need that exists

The provincial government’s fisheries aid package to help struggling fishery workers is a recognition that serious problems exist in the industry, but does not address the dire need faced by many fish harvesters and plant workers due to this year’s significant downturn, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

Yesterday, the province released its fishery aid package designed to address the problems faced by the industry this year. The FFAW, plant workers and fish harvesters have criticized the plan as not going far enough to recognize the needs of workers and communities affected by the downturn.

“Government promised to bring forward an aid package for fishery workers and yesterday’s announcement was a recognition that something needed to be done to provide a level of financial assistance,” said Ms. Jones. “While this is an acknowledgement that a problem exists, I think government is still underestimating the magnitude of the problem and how much money is needed to address this situation. Nobody expects to receive substantial amounts of money from this program, but people need security that they will be able to get through the winter season without the added burden and worry of how to pay the bills.”

Jones noted that fishery workers were forced to occupy the building which houses the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture earlier this year in an effort to be heard by the minister and get a commitment of support. “Workers had to fight to be heard, and now they will be forced to fight again to be able to afford the coming winter in their communities. The program will provide a living wage for those who are in need, but it certainly doesn’t appear to be going far enough and many will still struggle over the coming months.

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