“Since April, this government has repeatedly advised the Federal Government of severe ice conditions, especially along the coast of the Northern Peninsula and Labrador, which has delayed fishing activity that is vital to the incomes of many families and communities. Federal support has been provided in previous years when similar circumstances emerged, and so I call on representatives from the Federal Government to answer the Provincial Government’s repeated requests for intervention, and initiate a programme that will ensure impacted people will have income until fishing activity can begin,” said Mr Hutchings.
Current estimates project that fisheries in specific areas may be delayed by one month, and possibly longer. The Provincial Government has been in regular contact with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Employment and Social Development Canada for several weeks regarding the need to follow past practice, which has been to make financial support available to those who need it when severe ice conditions impact the industry.
