(February 18, 2022) – Craig Pardy, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Fisheries and MHA for Bonavista, today expressed his concern with decisions being made about Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishery from the other side of the country.

Pardy was responding to news reports detailing a speech made by Federal DFO Minister Joyce Murray to the Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation. In it, she outlined her vision to leave as many fish in the water as possible and to grow as much vegetation in the water as possible so that the Atlantic Ocean can better absorb carbon to combat climate change. She indicated that fish harvesters would have to accept the sacrifice as part of Canada’s commitment to fight climate change and noted that with technological advancements harvesters could change career paths and work remotely from their homes.

“This is outrageous and demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the contributions and lifestyle of fish harvesters in our province. The Minister needs to take the suggestion of the FFAW that she come spend a couple of weeks in the province to educate herself on the realities of the fisheries portfolio,” said Pardy.

A letter will be sent from Pardy to Minister Murray’s office asking for clarification on her comments.

“On the heels of published reports that the federal cabinet is split on approving the Bay du Nord project, I fear there is a bias in the Federal Liberal Government that does not bode well for resource development in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Pardy.

Pardy questions where the Newfoundland and Labrador MPs stand on the issue.

“While we all recognize and support efforts to address climate change, NL must be allowed to develop our natural resources without interference from Ottawa. It is time to know where our ‘silent six’ MP’s stand on this issue and the Furey Government who, like most things, has been silent,” said Pardy.

“The Federal Minister is simply out of touch on the fisheries portfolio.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca