STILL NO ANSWER: Where are Premier Hogan and Minister Dempster?

After an initial meeting with FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street, Executive Assistant to the President Crystal-Lynn Gorman and harvesters Glen Winslow and John Efford, two urgent letters—dated June 9 and June 17—were sent to Premier John Hogan and Minister Lisa Dempster outlining real, immediate threats to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador’s inshore fishery. To date, no response has been received.

A handful of powerful processors are tightening their grip on the industry, leaving the backbone of the province’s coastal communities struggling to stay afloat.

Premier Hogan and Minister Dempster were asked to take three crucial actions: publicly reaffirm their government’s commitment to competition and fairness, reconvene the oversight committee on outside buyers, and work with FFAW to create a plan moving forward. They’ve chosen silence.

This lack of leadership cannot stand. The people of rural Newfoundland and Labrador deserve a government that will stand up for them—not one that turns a blind eye while corporate power erodes livelihoods, culture, and our members’ way of life. We call on the Premier and Minister Dempster to answer the call, come to the table, and work on a solution that safeguards the future of the industry.

FFAW-Unifor would also like to thank Official Opposition Leader Tony Wakeham and MHA Craig Pardy for meeting with FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street on short notice. Both demonstrated real leadership by asking the right questions and quickly following up on this critical issue.