Lobster fishermen occupy Peter MacKay’s office in N.L.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. – Lobster fishermen representing all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador were occupying the local office of federal minister Peter MacKay Tuesday, June 9, demanding that Ottawa take action to address what has been a disastrous 2009 lobster season.

The fishermen descended on MacKay's office in St. John's around 2 p.m. The occupation came one day before Fisheries Minister Gail Shea announced the latest response to the lobster industry by the federal government. " We have mapped out very specifically what the short-term and long-term needs are for lobster harvesters, but to date the federal government has completely ignored the desperate plight of lobster harvesters," says Earle McCurdy, president of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers' (FFAW) union. "The lobster fishery has been a complete disaster this year, and yet we cannot seem to get the federal government to come to the table to help address the problems in a direct and meaningful way."

McCurdy and representatives of lobster fleets throughout Atlantic Canada, met with MacKay in Ottawa on May 26, but says no action was forthcoming on the part of the federal government. With lobster prices this year having fallen below $3 per pound – the lowest levels in decades – lobster fishermen doubt they will survive the season. (From the Telegram, Transcontinental Media)