Nelson Sergerie
GASPÉ – Fishermen and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) are reviewing the terms of repayment for loans granted during the crisis affecting the fishing sector.
“There are indeed files being analyzed at the regional management level of MAPAQ,” confirms the Member of the National Assembly for Gaspé and government assistant for fisheries, Stéphane Sainte-Croix.
Quebec’s Minister of Fisheries, André Lamontagne, had previously stated that the government would support fishermen during the crisis.
“We will do everything we can to make effective use of all the tools at our disposal and do everything possible to promote, in one way or another, measures which will put a balm – so to speak – on the current problems experienced by our communities,” adds Mr. Sainte-Croix.
On February 27, all stakeholders in the field unanimously requested federal aid to get through this crisis.
“It takes extra help. We cannot go through this crisis with companies worth several million dollars that are under loans, loan guarantees or things like that… that the banker calls… that the house is mortgaged. Some people are at risk of losing their homes. It’s going to take direct aid,” repeats the mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté.
Considering how climate change is impacting the Gulf and the marine ecosystem, Mr. Sainte-Croix believes that a thorough reflection is necessary.
“The fishing industry is at a crossroads. We are talking in the short term about what we are experiencing in terms of turbot or shrimp boats. We must look further and what we are currently experiencing risks becoming a more and more present phenomenon. I hope that as governments, both federal and provincial, we can reflect on the future of things to see the bad news coming and be equipped to support our communities in these challenges,” adds the MNA.
Marketing redfish remains a challenge, especially if minimum quotas are increased beyond the floor of 25,000 tonnes announced by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Diane Lebouthillier.
“We are waiting for final information and, for our part, we are working on how to put in place measures to ensure the most efficient marketing possible in the short, medium and long term for this resource,” indicates Mr. Sainte-Croix.