N.S. fisheries minister apologizes for remark

Nova Scotia’s fisheries minister has apologized for a remark he says was “made in jest” in Province House.

New Democrat House leader Frank Corbett was speaking in the Legislature on Nov. 13 about a new loans program. While he was speaking Fisheries Minister Ron Chisholm said, “I’m not sure we’re going to give any money to the lobster fishermen in the areas that the NDP represent. Well, maybe a little bit.”

Corbett called the minister’s remarks an attempt to intimidate MLAs.

The minister apologized, stressing that politics will not play any role in judging applications fishermen submit to the loans program.

“I did make those comments, Mr. Speaker, but I can tell you Mr. Speaker, they were made in jest. I mean there were barbs being thrown back and forth. If I offended anybody, I certainly apologize.”

Corbett accepted Chisholm’s apology.