Goose Bay – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, visited several communities throughout Labrador from August 24 – 26 as part of his ongoing and extensive cross-country “Building Relationships Tour.”
“The best way to learn is by meeting and talking with the men and women who support the fisheries and work within the industry,” said Minister Ashfield. “It’s an opportunity for me to get their first-hand experiences and gain a better understanding and appreciation of the issues that affect them most.”
Minister Ashfield was accompanied by the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador.
"A sustainable fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador is vital to our economy and to those who make their living from the sea," said Minister Penashue. "Our government recognizes the importance of this key industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and we are committed to maintaining a strong connection with those communities for which the fishery is so important."
The Ministers traveled to Goose Bay, Sheshatshiu, Charlottetown, L’Anse au Loup, Nain and Makkovik and met with Aboriginal and community leaders, as well as with representatives from the fishing industry.
“I want to thank the people of Labrador for their warmth and hospitality,” said Minister Ashfield. “Their cordial manner set the stage for frank and open discussions which lead to productive and meaningful meetings.”
In July, Minister Ashfield discussed Pacific fisheries with Canadians in British Columbia. Earlier this month, he toured his home province of New Brunswick and met with fishermen and women, First Nations, and other industry stakeholders. Later this week, he will visit Iqaluit to participate in meetings of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers and the Atlantic Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Gateway (centre left) and the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador (centre right) met with Innu Development Ltd. Partnership members; Fred Hall (far left), Paul Rich, (second from left), Grand Chief Joseph Riche, Innu Nation (second from right) and Chief Sebastien Benuen, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation (far right) in Sheshatshiu, NL, last week. The meeting was part of a three day tour of Labrador where the Ministers discussed fishery and economic issues with local stakeholders and government officials.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Gateway (left) chats with Nathaniel Moores, Mayor of L'Anse au Clair (right) over coffee after a meeting with the Labrador Fisherman's Union Shrimp Company in L'Anse Au Loup, NL. The Minister was participating in a three day tour of Labrador where he discussed fishery and economic issues with local stakeholders and government officials.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Gateway (second from left) and the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador (centre) are joined by members of the Torngat Fish Producers Co-Operative Society Limited. The Ministers met with Keith Watts, General Manager (far left), Peter Crocker, Operations Manager (second from right) and Ron Johnson, Assistant General Manager (far right) in Makkovik, NL. The Ministers' meeting was part of a three day tour of Labrador where they discussed fishery and economic issues with local stakeholders and government officials.
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For more information:
Barbara Mottram, Press Secretary
The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-790-4682
613-992-3474
