N.S. fisheries minister still looking at assistance options for fishermen affected by wildfires

Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Steve Craig says his government is still looking at ways to help Shelburne County fishermen with uninsured losses they sustained during this summer's record-setting wildfires, although he cannot say when that help might arrive or how it will look.

On Thursday, the province announced a one-time payment of $2,500 to licensed aquaculture operators, fishermen, fish buyers and processors directly impacted by the wildfires.

Craig said that money is not part of efforts to help a group of fishermen who lost hundreds of traps and other gear in the fire, losses that are not covered by insurance and in some cases are in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Fishermen have expressed concern that without more help, some risk being left unable to participate in the upcoming lobster season, which begins at the end of November. This is the time of year when fishermen typically begin preparing for the season.

"I'm absolutely aware of that and we are not finished looking at ways that we can assist," Craig told reporters following a cabinet meeting on Thursday in Halifax.

Association calls for more help

On Friday, Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill and Dan Fleck, the executive director of the Brazil Rock Lobster Association, released a joint statement calling on the province to provide $1 million in direct financial aid to affected fishermen.

"After two months of inaction, the provincial government must stop dragging its feet and put real support on the table now so impacted fishers can get gear purchased in time for the start of the fall fishery before it's too late," Churchill said in the statement.

Fleck said in the statement that some of the fishermen were working as volunteer firefighters at the time their own gear and properties were burning.

"The entire region is already suffering financially from the fires and their resources are being stretched even thinner by having to choose between rebuilding a home or rebuilding their livelihood," he said.

"The support needed now is critical and can make a difference between saving the season and helping people rebuild or losing the season and seeing people face compounding financial hardships."

Meeting with Ottawa

Craig on Thursday said officials in his department have been working with their federal counterparts on the issue of uninsured losses and he's awaiting a meeting with newly minted Fisheries and Oceans Canada Minister Diane Lebouthillier to discuss the matter.

"We're absolutely advocating for assistance where we can," he said.

The minister would not speculate on what his government is prepared to do if they cannot strike a deal with Ottawa on the matter, saying that would be a decision for Premier Tim Houston.

"I'm not going to get into a hypothetical at this point, all I can say is that we'll be happy to give you more information as we have it and as this develops."

Craig said he understands the industry is "paramount" to the economic viability of rural and coastal communities.

New Democrat MLA Gary Burrill said the government must quickly make an assessment of the damages that need to be covered by the province and announce how and when it will help ensure affected people can be on the water in time for the season opening.

"And that needs to be a very short, precise and clear time frame," he told reporters.

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