The Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso says he supports local fishers’ requests to open the season before the delayed May 15 start date.
Mike Kelloway says he’s worked closely with fishers throughout the riding.
Kelloway told The Hawk Morning Show he’s developed recommendations with them for officials with the federal government.
“I would prefer, and have recommended, that we find a happy medium here, and look to start it before (May) the 15th,” he says. “I’ve echoed that to the Minister of Fisheries- I’ve also echoed that in a very comprehensive set of recommendations.”
Kelloway didn’t give details on those recommendations, besides starting the season before the delayed date.
He said he’s shown them to a number of fishing industry reps to make sure they reflect what they need.
“Anything that I’m doing, the fishers, the harvesters, processors, anybody who wants to know, they know because I’ve shared that information with them.”
Kelloway said the delayed date came from early consultations with members of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union, but it’s clear now that no longer represents the wishes of local fishers.
