Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
GASPÉ – The region’s prefects met with the Member of Parliament for the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands, Diane Lebouthillier, to discuss their concerns about how the economic situation in the region will be affected by the United States President, Donald Trump’s fixation on tariffs.
During a meeting in Gaspé on February 6, the prefect of the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC, Daniel Côté, summarized the main request made to the federal government.
“That we have help with the liquidity of certain companies confined to the American market. Companies with deep pockets are fine. But companies that are a bit like start-ups, have more difficulty restructuring towards other markets. By the time they get through a potential crisis with the American government, they may need help. I am currently visiting our businesses and that is what is coming out a lot,” says Mr. Côté, who is also the mayor of Gaspé.
“I had requested this meeting to work and inform them about what is happening with Team Canada and tell them that they are an integral part of Team Canada. As Minister of Fisheries, I also wanted to tell them about the meetings I had in the community,” says Ms. Lebouthillier.
“We know that the municipal government is closest to the citizens. The next few years will be difficult. In the fisheries sector, the next season is coming up and it is important to work together and be on the lookout for impacts on the population. The information must circulate from top to bottom, but also from bottom to top. It is a collaborative effort,” she says.
The Côte-de-Gaspé prefect also mentions the fisheries sector, which was discussed during the meeting. He mentioned the issue of exploratory lobster fishing and its distribution. “We will wait for the results and I have concerns for the shrimp and turbot fishermen. I dare to hope that there will be special attention put on them. There are not enough permits for everyone, but if a few could have permits, we would like that,” says Mr. Côté.
“Receptivity is good in Ottawa and Quebec. I think everyone wants to start diversifying their markets,” added the prefect.
Opening up trade in the Canadian market must be democratized.
“I have been hearing about market diversification for about twenty years. It seems that every time things return to normal, we return to our old habits. We have international agreements and we must ensure that our products can be sold everywhere in Canada,” says Ms. Lebouthillier.
For many companies, it is easier to do business in the United States than in other Canadian provinces.
Ms. Lebouthillier is confident that “If the team remains strong, we can get through this.”