In a news release Tuesday, Liberal fisheries critic Michel Samson says that it is unacceptable for the Dexter government’s fisheries minister to ignore the requests of the Professional Lobster Fishermen’s Association.
“The association is struggling to get a decent price for their catch,” says Samson. “They have invited Minister Belliveau to their meetings to hear solutions, but the minister continues to ignore their requests.”
Samson said that previous Conservative governments refused to address the issue of lower lobster prices and now the Dexter government is repeating that mistake. “The minister and the Dexter government need to listen to all proposals to get a higher price for lobster which means more revenue for the province.”
Belliveau has expressed his concerns about the intentions of the new 1688 Professional Lobster Fishermen Association, which has had more than a half dozen meetings in and around belliveau's riding in the month of January. "We know that the minister is aware of our meetings," says organizer James Mood, "and members are not pleased that he hasn't bothered to come to even one meeting."
Samson says that it is concerning that the minister seems to be ignoring the group because lobster is one of the province’s major exports.
“A bad year for lobster fishermen means a bad year for Nova Scotia,” says Samson. “It is unfortunate and regrettable that this government and this minister do not see that.”
Samson said he had hoped for better from Minister Belliveau, a former fisherman.
“Minister Belliveau has first-hand knowledge of the industry’s importance to our economy and the challenges they face,” says Samson. “He is doing a disservice to the hardworking men and women in the industry by refusing to attend their meetings.”
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