North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has scheduled a meeting with federal minister for fisheries, oceans, and Canadian coast guard Bernadette Jordan to discuss implementation of a transition plan for workers in the region.
According to a media release from Blaney, the meeting with the minister is scheduled for January 11.
“Workers and small business owners are understandably afraid for their future and how they will provide for their families,” stated Blaney. “These are hardworking people and creative and resilient businesses, but they need the support of our federal government.”
The release stated that on December 17, Jordan announced salmon farms in the Discovery Islands would be closed within 18 months, sparking fears and uncertainty about economic prospects of many communities in the region.
NDP critic for fisheries and oceans Gord Johns, in response to the announcement, called for “a strong transition plan for the affected workers and impacted communities.”
Blaney echoed the statement in her letter to Jordan, stressing the need for a plan to ensure workers and communities were supported in the wake of the government’s decision.
“We’re still in the middle of the pandemic and this is another blow to many families in our region,” stated Blaney. “The federal government needs to develop a plan to help our community get through these changes and thrive. I will be telling the minister about the concerns and stories our communities, workers and businesses have shared with our office and looking for commitments for the support they need at this time.”
