For Immediate Release
September 11, 2024
NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) issued the following statement regarding the decision made by Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier to reopen the cod fishery in spite of the DFO scientists stating their concerns.
“Minister Lebouthillier’s decision to ignore the advice of her scientists regarding the reopening the Northern cod fishery and instead make a decision based on something that could be ‘politically a victory’ is deeply troubling. This situation is a clear example of what happens when Ministers play politics with science-based facts and the workers who are impacted by this decision.
“What is even more shocking and disheartening is that the six Liberal MPs from Newfoundland and Labrador supported this decision while knowing that it would impact those whose livelihoods and communities depend on a strong fishery.
“They know first hand how Newfoundland and Labrador families and communities struggled with the Cod Moratorium, yet they continue to support quota that risks another stock decrease that could send us back to Moratorium levels. This is why I wrote the Minister back in July calling for her to reinstate the stewardship fishery.
“This, clearly, is the Liberal playbook when it comes to politics. They value the chances of a political victory over how their decisions will affect Canadians across the country and specifically here in Newfoundland and Labrador when it comes to this decision. It is a lot like we see here with the multitudes of announcements made by the Premier and his Ministers, announcing buildings where crews won’t even break ground for another two years.
“I hope that Lebouthillier learns from this situation that her decisions impact everyday people in this country, and I hope the six Liberal MPs from this province understand the disappointment they have brought to the communities and workers who depend on them advocating for their best interest, not that of business.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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