Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg clashed with crab fishers Monday on the steps of the Confederation Building in Saint John.
In a series of exchanges recalling the confrontations following the moratorium on cod fishing, the fishermen denounced the process inequitableused to establish the price of snow crab and government inaction on the quasi-monopoleof the processing sector by a handful of companies.
We want a fair system for setting prices, and to achieve this we must also strengthen competition and ensure transparency in the process.“says Keith Sullivanpresident of the FFAW-Unifor, provincial union of fishermen.
© Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada
Some 300 fishermen gathered outside the Confederation Building in Saint John, NL, on Monday.
Since 2006, a panel of three experts has established the price paid to fishermen for the catches of several fisheries. Before deciding, the committee studies the submissions of the fishermen’s union and the Provincial Association of Seafood Processors (ASP).
The three experts should be independent, in principle, and the recent appointment of the former president of FFAW-Unifor, Earl McCurdyarouses the ire of processors.
The President of the ASP, Derek Butlercalls Mr. McCurdy son sworn enemyand a man unable to act impartially“, while the union describes it as defender” fishermen.
It’s a pointless and petty chicanery“says Keith Sullivan, pointing out that the crab fishery will be launched in a few days and that the ASP is blocking the finalization of prices by asking for the dismissal of Mr. McCurdy.
Derek Butler believes that if the selection process for Earl McCurdy had been more stringent, the current stalemate would not have occurred.
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On Monday, protesters denounced processors’ efforts, calling them acanadian oligarchsbut also listed several other demands of Minister Bragg, who addressed a noisy crowd.
Fishermen ask in particular:
- The granting of processing licenses to new processors;
- A law to cap the growth of five companies: Royal Greenland, Ocean Choice International, Barry Group, Beothic Fish Processors and Quinland Brothers;
- Repression of illegal control of coastal fishing licenses by processors.
According to the union, these five companies represent between 80% and 90% of the province’s processing capacity. Derek Butler reject these surestimationsand argues that in the past the union said that the processing industry was too fractured.»
The concentration we have, which is not too high at present, allows us to be stronger vis-à-vis the market to ensure that we pay the fishermen well.»
© Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada
Keith Sullivan, President of FFAW-Unifor, the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishermen’s Union
No intention to legislate
The Minister Bragg indicates that it has no intention of legislating to limit the activities of processors. He indicated that he wanted to allow the committee to continue its work independently.
I like to see the solidarity of the fishermen. But we have these same problems every yearhe says, noting that the province had no choice but to establish the independent committee. The negotiations between the union and the ASP have become too acrimonious, he recalls.
© Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg addresses the crowd.
The Minister responsible for Labour, Bernard Davishowever, says he is open to revising the regulations governing the committee responsible for the prizes after the 2022 season.
Last year, the snow crab fishery off Newfoundland was valued at $612 million. Due to the current ban on Russian products and the massive reduction in quotas in Alaska, Keith Sullivan argues that the 2022 season could represent historic revenue for anglers.
We could well have a historic year for the industry, if the decisions of the ASP and the province do not hinder our efforts.“, he believes.