MLA wants fishermen to have insurance options

Liberal fisheries critic Harold “Junior” Theriault has introduced a private members bill in the Nova Scotia Legislature that he hopes will lessen the high cost of workers’ compensation coverage on fishermen across the province.

“We’re all very aware of possible trouble on the horizon for the fishery,” said Theriault. “It’s time that government starts doing everything it can to ensure the industry and the people relying on it continue to be profitable.”

“Fishers in Nova Scotia simply do not have a choice when it comes to how they are covered,” explained Theriault. “In some instances, workers’ compensation has become much more expensive than private insurance.”

The Liberal MLA for Digby-Annapolis said not granting those Nova Scotians in the fishing industry an insurance choice puts the province at a competitive disadvantage.

“Fishermen from all over this province have told me comprehensive private insurance is available to them at a fraction of the cost,” said Theriault. “At this point, workers’ compensation is as high as 10 times the price of personal coverage.”

“Fishing is a dangerous occupation and there’s no doubt that workers need to be protected,” Theriault states. “At the same time, that physical protection shouldn’t injure fishers financially.”