Hundreds of crab harvesters, plant workers, and those in the industry gathered on the steps of Confederation Building earlier today to demand government action on issues facing the snow crab industry.
Three DRL buses full of protesters just pulled up. Large crowd gathering here @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/68GCrjzQlU
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) April 17, 2023
The Standing Fish Price Setting Panel recently sided with the Association of Seafood Producers’ price of $2.20 for snow crab, which the FFAW says is unsustainable with many harvesters choosing not to take their boats out at all until change is made.
As snow fell on a chilly April morning, Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg faced an equally cold reception from the crowd as he took to the podium, with many booing him in the process.
Bragg agrees that the selected price is not a good one.
He says right now, people are experiencing some of the highest prices ever for fuel and other expenses, so it isn’t lost on him that $2.20 is “one crappy price, but so is $5.00”.
"$2.20 is a crappy price, but so is $5" says Bragg @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/X1Q0EyWGSC
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) April 17, 2023
Bragg says he supports harvesters staying ashore as a way to try to force the hand of the industry to get a better price because if the supply is gone, that should force prices up,
Bragg’s words were cold comfort to the crowd, however. As he exited the stage there wasn’t much of a response from the crowd, with one person yelling out that reaction is indicative of their confidence in the minister.
The crowd asked for the Premier Andrew Furey to come out and address them, however he was not present at the event.
