MEDIA RELEASE: France Will Not Gain Access to Canadian Snow Crab

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador are clear: France cannot create access to snow crab on the Grand Banks by unilateral announcement, and Canadians will not consent to France’s access to Canadian snow crab under any circumstances.

President Emmanuel Macron’s reported commitment of an exploratory licence for up to 1,500 tonnes of snow crab annually for five years on the tail of the Grand Banks is not supported by Canadians who rely on the snow crab fishery.  

“France’s declaration on Canadian snow crab blindsided our province and the many people whose livelihoods rely on this resource. Based on the many conversations we’ve had on the subject in recent days, President Macron’s claim was also a surprise to the Canadian government,” says FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street. “DFO has re-affirmed this by stating in no uncertain terms that France does not have the authority to access Canada’s snow crab.” 

“We have regular, open communication with the federal department of fisheries and the Minister’s Office, and we remain confident that our country will not surrender the resources that belong to Canadians. France does not get access to Canadian snow crab because its President makes an announcement. This is a Canadian resource that will not be given up,” Street says.

“Premier Tony Wakeham’s statement today also reassures the thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who rely on the snow crab fishery,” adds Street.

FFAW-Unifor supports the Government of Canada in the assertion that these are Canadian resources. France cannot—and will not—gain access to Canada’s snow crab on the Grand Banks.

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