The FFAW says they have been a part of virtually no consultation when it comes to bill C-49, which would amend the Atlantic Accord to allow for offshore wind development.

The bill is currently making its way through the House of Commons.

Because of a lack of consultation, FFAW Industry Relations Representative Katie Power says they have had to insert themselves into the situation at the last hour.

She says she spoke in Ottawa recently on the issue, but was only given 24 hours notice to do so.

The union’s concerns relate to what they believe are a lack of transparency, and around potential displacement that could happen.

Power says the feds essentially want to substitute the language in the original Accord act relating to oil and gas for the new industry.

That’s problematic, she explains, because the technology is vastly different, and larger. For example, she says there’s no language in the bill for how fisheries would be compensated if they are pushed out of a fishing area.

In response to questions about the levels of consultation with Miawpukek First Nation and the FFAW, MP Gudie Hutchings says Indigenous groups were invited to participate in committee, and the union was consulted too.

She says government has been working with the FFAW, and all other stakeholders to get the bill pushed through.