The Seaward Enterprises Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is calling for a joint commission of inquiry into fishing vessel safety.
SEA-NL is urging the federal and provincial governments to investigate fishing vessel safety requirements and search and rescue response as incidents and deaths at sea rise.
Between 2018 and 2020, 45 fish harvesters lost their lives on vessels of all sizes, the highest fatality count in a three-year period in more than 20 years.
SEA-NL is asking for a four-front approach, covering fisheries management, Transport Canada regulations, safety at sea and search and rescue.
The call is in response to the Transportation Safety Board’s report on the sinking of the Sarah Anne in 2020 which claimed the lives of four fishermen.
SEA-NL will make a formal written request to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Andrew Furey for the commission of inquiry with the power to subpoena witnesses, take evidence under oath and request documents.
