P.E.I. fisheries minister gets additional responsibilities

P.E.I. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Allan Campbell has been handed the additional responsibility of a newly created rural development ministry.

"I believe the new emphasis on rural development will assist many communities to thrive in a changing world," Premier Robert Ghiz said as Campbell was sworn into the position. "In particular, I am confident that this approach will offer many more Islanders the opportunity to stay within their home communities - and still participate in a changing economy."

Ghiz promised rural development, including the role for the primary industries of fisheries and agriculture, would be included in a long-range economic plan that is now under development.

Campbell, who represents Souris-Elmira in the legislature, was a fisherman prior to entering the political arena. His fishing career includes lobster, mackerel, herring, bluefin tuna, scallops, ground fish, dogfish and toad crab. Campbell also served a term on the small pelagic advisory committee with the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association. He has devoted much of his time to serving his community in numerous volunteer positions.