Open dialogue and a commitment to collaboration were the highlights of meetings yesterday between the Province of Prince Edward Island and the federal minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Hunter Tootoo.
“Prince Edward Island’s fishing and aquaculture sectors are important contributors to our province providing jobs and opportunities for economic development,” said Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan. “To continue to build on our successes, it is important to ensure the province’s interests and concerns are heard when decisions are being made nationally that could affect our industry. The Province of Prince Edward Island will continue to work with our local industry associations and the federal government to ensure a prosperous fishery for our province.”
Premier MacLauchlan had the opportunity to speak to Minister Tootoo on labour forces challenges, in particular in the processing sector due to changes to the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program, as well as opportunities for continued export growth for the Island’s fishing and aquaculture industries.
In a meeting later in the day, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Alan McIsaac spoke with the federal minister about the province’s current quota allocations and the importance of innovation and research in the sectors. Minister McIsaac also addressed the labour force challenges and the need for short term measures to be in place for this fishing season if a full review of the program could not be completed at this time.
“The Province has been pleased with the level of cooperation and positive working relationship we have had with Fisheries and Oceans and looks forward to strengthening those relationships over the coming years,” said Minister McIsaac. “Working collaboratively we can find ways to move our industry forward and ensure the continued strength and sustainability of our fishing and aquaculture sectors.”