Conservative candidates Rob Moore of Fundy Royal, left, and Rodney Weston of Saint John-Rothesay unveil their party's fisheries plan in St. Martins on Oct. 6, 2019. (Photo: Brad Perry)
Two local Conservative candidates have announced their party’s plan to support Canada’s fisheries and strengthen relationships.
Fundy Royal candidate Rob Moore and Saint John-Rothesay candidate Rodney Weston unveiled the details Sunday afternoon in St. Martins.
“We understand the importance of making sure that our fish stocks are healthy so all Canadians can share in this abundance both now and in the future,” Moore told the crowd gathered near the community’s wharf.
Moore said the Conservatives would create advisory panels with fish harvesters, anglers, Indigenous groups and other experts to rebuild critical stocks and ensure everyone is working together.
“We will also restore the community-led Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, which was cancelled by the Liberals, to enhance and rebuild wild Atlantic Salmon stocks,” he said.
Speaking in St. Martins this afternoon, Fundy Royal candidate Rob Moore says a Conservative government would adopt several new strategies to renew engagement and consultation fisheries. pic.twitter.com/5UspkMEbIY
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) October 6, 2019
Both Moore and Weston were critical of the Liberals, who they said failed to engage with those whose livelihoods depend on local fisheries.
But the Liberal incumbent for Fundy Royal, who was at Sunday’s announcement, disagreed.
“I feel very good about the relationship that our government has had with fish harvesters, not only in the Fundy Royal region but throughout Atlantic Canada,” said Alaina Lockhart. “We’re all pretty close, honestly. Call each other quite often on different issues that arise.”
Lockhart said the Liberal party has also not ignored small coastal communities as Weston suggested.
“We’ve invested $13.5 million in small craft harbours in Fundy Royal both here in St. Martins and in Alma,” she said.
The Conservative party’s fisheries plan also includes commitments to:
- Complete new recovery plans for all of Canada’s critical fisheries.
- Work with industry to develop a strategy for preventing seafood fraud.
- Create a modern aquaculture act.
- Consult with communities on Marine Protected Areas.
- Support technology and practices which reduce contact between wild and farmed salmon.
- Provide $250 million in additional support for small craft harbours.
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