Things would get worse before they got better, as the dispute in the province’s snow crab fishery extended into May.
Both parties dug in in a public back-and-forth. Harvesters continued their tie-up leaving the fishery at a standstill. However tensions started to boil over, with both sides condemning alleged threats of violence. The issue spilled into the House of Assembly, as Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg and Premier Andrew Furey routinely fielded questions from the Opposition.
On May 19, six weeks after the fishery opened, both sides were able to reach a deal with the Premier stepping in to facilitate the discussions. In the end, the FFAW “reluctantly agreed” to accept a final offer from the ASP for the minimum price to be set at $2.20 per pound, on the condition that the premier commit to revamping the price setting system before the 2024. The next day, pots were finally in the water.
Proclamation for Performers
Following the success of Come Home Year celebrations, government made another proclamation, declaring 2024 as the Year of the Arts, and along with it, a new mid-sized theatre and $4 million dollars in funding for the creation of new works.
The Opposition questioned the timing of the move and the need for a new theatre. Questions were raised by some industry stakeholders as well, with Terra Bruce Productions wondering how the new theatre would impact their recently revamped Majestic Theatre.
A consultation process was launched on the proposed project, and funding announcements continued to roll out throughout 2023.
Raised Voices
Memorial University once again made headlines in May and this time surrounding the Ode to Newfoundland.
In early May, CBS MHA Barry Petten reignited the conversation surrounding MUN’s removal of the Ode from its convocation ceremonies in October of 2022. Petten called for the reinstatement of the anthem during the ceremony. MUN apologized for the approach taken for the removal, but would not bring the Ode back, instead forming an ad hoc committee of the Senate to speak with key groups on its inclusion.
On May 10, a rare sight was witnessed—Government and the Opposition agreeing on a topic.
Petten brought his concerns to the House of Assembly, urging government to intervene and ask Memorial to reconsider. Culture Minister Steve Crocker agreed and the House broke out into an impromptu rendition of the Ode to Newfoundland, followed by the Ode to Labrador.
Despite hinting that they would rise and sing the Ode during the convocation ceremonies, no such incident was reported. Instead, a small group of demonstrators, including Petten and members of the PC party, gathered on the lawn across from the Arts and Culture Centre, performing a rendition of the anthem.
Hail to the King
May 6 marked an event not seen in 70 years—the Coronation of a monarch.
King Charles III was formally crowned following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September of 2022.
In this province, the occasion was marked with a parade of honour from Colonial Building to Government House, with the King’s flag being hoisted, followed by Indigenous dancing and drumming.
Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote addressed the crowd of around 100 people, saying she looked forward to the years ahead as his representative.
