FFAW Speaks with DFO Minister Jordan
April 2, 2020
Today FFAW President Keith Sullivan and Secretary Treasurer David Decker spoke with the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to provide updates on the impact of covid-19 on the NL fishing industry.
On the issue of postponing fisheries, FFAW leadership explained that safety is the number one priority for fish harvesters and plant workers, who are all committed to mitigating the spread of covid-19 in the province. Workers in the fishing industry have recommended delays in all fisheries and have called on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to more quickly communicate with harvesters on official decisions regarding openings of fisheries, as delays in issuing Notices to Harvesters only create further anxiety and confusion in the industry.
Sullivan and Decker reiterated the need for immediate relief for fish harvesters and plant workers impacted by the pandemic and reinforced to the Minister that EI benefits will not be enough to compensate for the impact that covid-19 will have on the inshore fishery.
Minister Jordan committed to continuing the dialogue with FFAW as the covid-19 pandemic unfolds. We will continue to seek support and clarification on all of the issues raised by FFAW members.
FFAW’s inshore council will be meeting on Friday and further updates will be provided to members after that meeting.