Nova Scotia minister says 'organized crime' involved in lobster fishery
Inadequate federal enforcement of the lobster fishery in southwestern Nova Scotia is emboldening organized crime that is "terrorizing" the local community, say two provincial cabinet ministers.
Fisheries Minister Kent Smith and Justice Minister Barbara Adams wrote letters to the federal government last week, asking for more help and co-operation to address what they say is an increase in serious crime in the Clare and Meteghan areas.
In his letter dated Aug. 22, Smith tells federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier that her department's inability to prevent illegal and out-of-season lobster fishing has "enabled and emboldened the growth of organized crime that is terrorizing the community."
"I am hearing directly from fishers that have been threatened, that have had property damaged and that live in constant fear of repercussions for speaking out," Smith says. "Lack of action impacts public safety and the sustainability of our most valuable seafood resource. It also diverts tax revenues from both our governments that can be reinvested in our communities."
Smith does not point a finger at any specific group, but says he has ordered that provincial inspections be stepped up in the Clare region to ensure Nova Scotia's regulations on illegal buying and processing of lobsters are being followed.
The provincial minister is also careful not to blame front-line federal enforcement officers who he says should be "adequately resourced and supported to do this difficult and extremely important job."
In an interview Tuesday, Smith said his strong language to Lebouthillier was the result of a growing sense of frustration with the federal government's response to tensions around the lobster fishery.
"It's a very serious issue," he said. "There's some serious concerns for public safety in the region and when people are coming to me with really troubling stories then I feel like I have to do my job."
Smith also made it clear that he was not referring in any way to the fishery operated by the Sipekne'katik First Nation.
"This is not Indigenous related. This is bad actors doing bad things and fishing out of season for illicit profits."
In her Aug. 23 letter to Lebouthillier, Adams said the provincial justice department has doubled the number of RCMP patrol officers in the Municipality of Clare from seven to 14, at costs that are "borne by the province of Nova Scotia." As well, the minister said additional general duty and investigative resources have been added because of the "acute concerns of citizens."
"I would like to add my support to minister Smith's request to have our provincial and federal agencies work together to meaningfully address this issue in the Clare region," Adams said.
Neither Lebouthillier's office nor the Nova Scotia RCMP were immediately available for comment Tuesday.
In recent months, RCMP in the Meteghan area have reported several violent crimes including two incidents of shots being fired at a home, two arsons and the burning of a police vehicle, although none of the incidents were specifically linked to the fishery.
In an interview last month, Sgt. Jeff LeBlanc, the detachment commander, told The Canadian Press that incidents involving threatening behaviour and intimidation had been investigated over the previous six months.
LeBlanc said the Mounties were planning to maintain an "amplified presence" and added that there wasn't a link between the recent violent incidents and a dispute two years ago involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishers over access to the local lobster fishery.
He described the violent perpetrators as a "group of organized criminals within our community."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2024.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada travellers share worries and frustrations ahead of possible pilot strike
Here's what customers had to say about their travel plans ahead of a potential Air Canada pilot strike.
Trudeau says Ukraine can strike deep into Russia with NATO arms, Putin hints at war
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ukraine should be allowed to strike deep inside Russia, regardless of Moscow threatening that this would draw Canada and its allies into direct war.
Driver charged with killing NHL's Johnny Gaudreau and his brother had .087 blood-alcohol level
The driver charged with killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they bicycled on a rural road had a blood-alcohol level of .087, above the .08 legal limit in New Jersey, a prosecutor said Friday.
23-year-old Muskoka, Ont., resident highlights the need for rural health care after stroke
The experience of 23-year-old Muskoka, Ont., resident Robyn Penniall, who recently had a stroke, comes as concerns are being raised about the future of health care in her community.
24-packs of Kirkland Signature Greek yogurt recalled over mould
Kirkland Signature Greek yogurt 24-packs are being recalled in Canada due to mould.
2 suspects charged after Lamborghini stolen in armed home invasion in Richmond Hill: police
York Regional Police say they have arrested two suspects and are looking for at least one more following an armed home invasion in Richmond Hill that saw thieves escape in the victim’s Lamborghini.
Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat dies after being hit by car in B.C.
Stephen Peat, the former Washington Capitals enforcer who fought concussion issues and was homeless at times after leaving hockey, has died from injuries sustained late last month when he was struck by a car while crossing a street. He was 44.
Stuck-in-space astronauts make first public comments since Boeing capsule left without them
Stuck-in-space astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams said Friday they appreciated all the prayers and well wishes from strangers back home.
Ontario's top court dismisses application for bail from Jacob Hoggard
Jacob Hoggard will remain behind bars while he tries to appeal his sexual assault conviction at Canada's top court, a justice with Ontario's Appeal Court ruled Friday, calling the musician's attempt unlikely to succeed.