The Premier of the province says the minister responsible has written the federal government to inquire about flexibility for EI qualifications for those affected by the current situation in the crab fishery.

Andrew Furey revealed that information in the House of Assembly following questions from PC leader David Brazil.

The current stalemate sees harvesters unwilling to go out on the water for what they say is the sub-par price for crab that has been set at $2.20, and the Association of Seafood Producers is sticking to their guns about the price and saying they will not be buying crab in the fall.

Brazil grilled the Premier on what government plans to do to address the situation.

Brazil says that if the fishery fails the entire province fails, and he wants to know what the Premier is planning to do do get the industry up and running. Furey responded by saying he hopes both parties will continue to speak, noting that the situation with the market place is beyond government’s control. He says they and the federal government will be there to support the industry.