The Chief of the Sipekne’katik First Nation is commenting on Monday’s federal election results.
Mike Sack says he never wants anyone to lose their job, but he wasn’t sad to see former Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan’s defeat in South Shore/St. Margarets.
He says there hasn’t been much communication with Jordan since she stated in March that any moderate livelihood fishing must be done within established fishing seasons.
The band started a treaty lobster fishery in St. Mary’s Bay last month.
It’s been met by Department of Fisheries and Oceans officers seizing traps and making arrests.
Sack says he’s optimistic for a resolution.
“I’m grateful there’s going to be a new Fisheries Minister. I’m hopeful for a fresh start and that we can work through this quickly to come up with a result that makes all parties happy,” says Sack.
He says he’s willing to get back to the table with a new Fisheries Minister, and he hopes cabinet will hear their message and what the needs of the band are.
Sack says DFO enforcement of the treaty tags has continued since AFN Chief RoseAnne Archibald visited the wharf in Saulnierville earlier this month.
