Harvesters, declaring victory after a weeks-long protest at Confederation Building, climbed aboard their vehicles and drove home after being told that their demands to wrest some of the control away from local processors had finally been met.
FFAW leadership and John Efford, who had led the protests at Confederation Building for the last few weeks, met with provincial fisheries minister Elvis Loveless for several hours yesterday.
Efford emerged from the meeting and, grabbing a bullhorn, provided the news harvesters had been waiting to hear.
He was met with cheers and applause as he declared “I think we got a good deal.”
Harvesters have a commitment that outside buyers will have unlimited access to all species, a sticking point for many who wanted to ensure they’re getting the best price in the market for their catch.
In addition, Efford told harvesters, a committee will be set up to oversee the changes. “…and I made sure that I’m going to be on that committee!” he said to thunderous applause.
Protesting harvesters had turned to Efford – the son of former Fisheries Minister John Efford – as their official spokesperson on the ground, prompting questions about his ambitions – either on the union level or in the political realm.
“All I want to do is go fishing, that’s why I’m here” he told reporters yesterday.
Minister Calls Meeting Productive
Provincial Fisheries Minister Elvis Loveless calls yesterday’s meeting productive with “positive outcomes” for harvesters, plant workers and all in the fishing industry.
He says the province shares the same goal of an organized start to the 2024 fishing season.
Opposition Reacts
Tony Wakeham
Opposition Leader Tony Wakeham, who peppered government with questions on the concerns raised by harvesters in the House of Assembly’s spring sitting, says a deal should have been done months ago.
Wakeham says it took a “full-on crisis” to catch government’s attention.
Wakeham says he’ll continue to monitor progress and if government fails to deliver, he’ll continue to hold decision-makers accountable.
