The Opposition sought answers from Premier Andrew Furey in the House of Assembly this afternoon on the crisis facing the crab and lobster fisheries.

Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg fielded the questions and received a standing ovation from his caucus colleagues.

Buyers are refusing to purchase lobster forcing the sudden closure of that fishery and leading to protests on wharves across the province.

The FFAW wants amendments to the legislation to allow harvesters to sell their lobster to outside buyers.

Bragg addressed that issue this afternoon. He told the legislature that it’s something government is working on and if outside buyers do come in, they will have to “play by our rules” with a Newfoundland and Labrador licence and paying negotiated prices for product.

Opposition Leader David Brazil accused the provincial government of “union busting” tactics following comments from FFAW President Greg Pretty who indicated that government undermined “the elected leadership of the union by asking for a secret ballot among members” to see if harvesters were willing to fish for the $2.20 set by the Fish Price Setting Panel.

Bragg says they’re trying to find solutions to get the fishery going and suggested a secret ballot based on the threats being made on social media to harvesters who have suggested going out.