The Prime Minister says the federal government continues to work on implementing moderate livelihood fisheries with Indigenous communities.
Speaking to Acadia News last week, Justin Trudeau says reconciliation is important, but the fishery needs to be done right.
“We’ve been engaged in very very close dialogue, both with commercial fishers and Indigenous communities to establish the right path forward,” says Trudeau.
He says some Indigenous communities have successfully implemented moderate livelihood fisheries, and the hope is to get to that point with all First Nations communities across the province.
Trudeau says it can be done, but science and Indigenous rights need to be respected.
The Sipekne’katik First Nation launched a self-regulated treaty fishery in St. Mary’s Bay last August, which resulted in several lobster trap seizures by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
(with files from Evan Taylor)
