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Reid questions government's next steps after fisheries summit
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is questioning what government’s next steps
will be coming out of the fisheries summit held in St. John’s yesterday.
Reid raised several questions regarding the issue in the House of Assembly
this afternoon. "The premier seemed upset by my questions this afternoon and decided to resort to personal attacks instead of addressing the issues," said Mr. Reid. "At the summit yesterday there appeared to be a consensus that the fishing industry needed to be rationalized or downsized, but there were no suggestions or consensus as to which plants and communities should close. When asked if government would make that decision, the premier became defensive and deflected the issue by attacking me personally. "I also questioned the premier whether the federal government was committed to an early retirement and licence buy back program. Everyone at the summit agreed that if there is to be a rationalization of the industry, there would have to be this type of program. From the comments I heard from Minister Hearn yesterday, the federal government is anything but committed to this type of program. "There also needs to be a focus on short-term solutions that will help us get through this tough period in our fishing industry. I asked the premier to elaborate on what income support programs might be put in place to help the industry, and once again the premier would not answer the question and retorted with personal attacks. "The premier especially disliked my comments when I pointed out how ironic it was that he is now touting FPI’s American marketing division as the solution to the woes in our marketing sector. Ironically, it was almost a year ago to the day that this government amended the FPI Act to allow the Board of Directors to sell off their marketing arm in the United States, despite the objections of members of the Opposition. "My biggest hesitation about this summit was that we would hear the same recommendations for our fishing industry, but only receive lip service from government. We all know that there needs to be changes, but the solutions that were offered, such as an early retirement and licence buy back program, have already been negatively received by the federal government. Unfortunately, the premier still seems willing to sit back and allow the federal government to do nothing, while our industry crumbles. "It is time for the premier to realize that he has done a miserable job in managing the fishery. He should also understand that he is going to be challenged about his idea to call a summit at the last minute once the industry was in crisis, and what the next steps will be coming out of the summit. I know the premier doesn’t like being held accountable for his actions, but if he is serious about finding solutions, I suggest he begin answering questions and addressing the issues directly instead of lashing out or assassinating the character of those who want information." |
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