Southwestern Nova Scotia MLAs Demand Urgent Action at National Fisheries Meeting

August 14, 2024

As the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers meeting begins today in Charlottetown, Southwestern Nova Scotia MLAs Zach Churchill and Ronnie LeBlanc are calling for DFO and the provincial fisheries department to strike a joint task force with industry leaders to address rising tensions in Nova Scotia.

Inadequate enforcement from both the federal and provincial governments have created a troubling situation across the province, particularly in Yarmouth and Digby counties. Earlier this year, the Nova Scotia Liberals successfully advocated for an increase in the maximum fine for illegal fishing to $1 million, but without a minimum fine and more enforcement officers, this policy change alone is not enough to curb illegal fishing across the province.

“The Houston government needs to come out of this meeting with real solutions for our province’s fishing industry,” said Opposition Leader and Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill. “This sector is the lifeblood of our rural economy in Southwestern Nova Scotia. We can’t afford to allow this problem to get any worse.”

The lobster fishery is a key economic driver for many parts of the province, underscoring the importance of strengthening conservation efforts in Nova Scotian waters.

“Our lobster industry is the backbone of our local economy and everything must be done to protect it,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Critic and Clare MLA Ronnie LeBlanc. “Both levels of government have tools at their disposal they could use to address this serious issue, they are just refusing to use them.”

To hear Leader Zach Churchill talk about the rising tensions in Southwestern Nova Scotia on the Todd Veinotte Show, listen here.