Chief Mike Sack Hopes For ‘Fresh Start’ With New Fisheries Minister
BRIDGEWATER–The Chief of the Sipekne’katik First Nation says he’s happy there will be a new federeal minister in charge of fisheries, after former Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan lost her reelection bid.
Mike Sack says he never wants anyone to lose their job, but he wasn’t sad to see Jordan defeated in South Shore/St. Margarets.
Sack says there hadn’t been much communication with Jordan since she stated in March that his nation’s moderate livelihood fishing must be done within established fishing seasons.
The band started a treaty lobster fishery in St. Mary’s Bay last month. It’s been met by Department of Fisheries and Oceans officers seizing traps and making arrests.
Sack says he’s optimistic for a resolution.
“I’m grateful there’s going to be a new Fisheries Minister. I’m hopeful for a fresh start and that we can work through this quickly to come up with a result that makes all parties happy,” says Sack.
He says he’s willing to get back to the table with a new Fisheries Minister and he hopes cabinet will hear their message and what the needs of the band are.
Sack says DFO enforcement of the treaty tags has continued since AFN Chief RoseAnne Archibald visited the wharf in Saulnierville earlier this month.
Kevin Northrup is a reporter with CKBW is Bridgewater, a Huddle content partner