Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to name his federal cabinet this week.
A Nova Scotian Conservative MP is keeping an eye on who will replace Bernadette Jordan as Fisheries Minister.
West Nova’s Chris d’Entremont says he’s hopeful the new minister can help resolve the fishing dispute in St. Mary’s Bay between the government and the Sipekne’katik First Nation.
“Ultimately, we want to find someone that has a history with having a consultative approach, and someone that on one hand, understands the industry, but on the other knows how to bring people together,” says d’Entremont.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans have been seizing traps and making arrests in the bay since the first nation launched its treaty fishery in August.
Last week, DFO announced an interim understanding with the Annapolis Valley and Bear River First Nations that would allow their moderate livelihood fisheries to proceed in the area.
d’Entremont says there has to be proof that the agreement works.
“We have to be able to show that Bear River and the Annapolis Valley can fish alongside the commercial fishery within the rules and guidelines that are set forth in that agreement.”
He says that would mean the two First Nations communities nearest to the resource would benefit from it.
Sipekne’katik Chief Mike Sack says they’re fishing under their treaty rights, and told our newsroom last month that he is ‘optimistic’ for a resolution with a new minister.
