Bridgewater, NS – Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, believes that Nova Scotia’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture is misleading lobster fishers in LFA’s 33 & 34.
 
“LFA 33 & 34 lobster fishers clearly understand the jurisdictional differences between federal and provincial responsibilities,” said MP Keddy.

Fisheries & Oceans Canada is responsible for storm damage to wharves and harbours managed by Small Craft Harbours. The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture is responsible for boats and gear.

“It is very unfair to fishers to raise expectations that something more than provincial funds could be available for the damage to their pots,” said Keddy. “I’ve been speaking to the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries & Oceans, who met the provincial minister last week, and clearly explained DFO's responsibilities.”
“Minister Shea has confirmed the federal government’s commitment to repair wharfs and harbours and has asked DFO officials to assess storm damage as quickly as possible and report back to her as soon as possible,” said Keddy.
 
In speaking with provincial Minister of Fisheries & Aquaculture, Sterling Belliveau, MP Keddy suggested he allow the Nova Scotia Fisheries Loan Board to supply low interest loans, at prime rate, for trap losses.

“This would be a responsible, fair and immediate way to deal with this challenge before the spring season,” said Keddy. “This solution should also be made to accommodate those fishers whose credit ratings have been stressed by the last couple years of low lobster prices.”
The Government of Canada will provide assistance through the disaster relief program; however this does not include traps and boats.