A Conservative MP says tariffs on seafood are worrisome.
West Nova’s Chris d’Entremont says potential 25 percent tariffs from China and the U.S. will have some impact on the shore price.
He says things are also slow right now for lobster fishing areas 33 and 34 in southwestern Nova Scotia,
“I’m hearing a lot of concern from fishers in my riding. But hopefully in the long run, markets still need these products including in China and the U.S. I think the government needs to do a better job identifying where those markets are, and seeing if we can expand toward our European partners,” said d’Entremont.
He also thinks the Liberal government needs to step up and do a better job managing the fishery.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet includes Newfoundland’s Joanne Thompson as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, replacing Diane Lebouthillier.
d’Entremont calls minister Thompson a ‘placeholder’ until the next federal election.
“I don’t think any new minister of a Liberal stripe will be able to do any work there. They’ll listen to the bureaucracy that tells them what they can and cannot do, just like the previous Liberal ministers.’
Meanwhile, a major seafood expo is happening this week in Boston.
d’Entremont hopes new partnerships can be made.
“There has to be other places around the world, South America, Africa, other parts of Asia that could be picking up our products as well. We can sell any fish, anywhere, but if you can’t get them there, that won’t work. We need to make those connections.”
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