Let’s hope the challenges don’t outweigh the opportunities in the Atlantic fishery for Bernadette Jordan, MP for the South Shore-St Margaret’s and the newly appointed minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Relationships between aboriginal and non-aboriginal lobster fishers — “Tensions running high on the water” (Nov. 21 article — have not been "optimal," to say the least, since the 1999 Marshall decision. The Supreme Court ruled the Mi’kmaq have a treaty right to make a “moderate livelihood” from fishing. But defining “moderate livelihood” is akin to interpreting the generalized Peace and Friendship treaties of the 1726-1761 period (between the Mi’kmaq and the British) that provided the background for the court’s decision.
Also of note, Ms. Jordan is wearing several hats regarding the lobster "boil up" since the prime minister also appointed her vice-chair of the cabinet committee on reconciliation.
Given the importance of the lobster fishery to the Nova Scotia/Atlantic economy and after 20 years of "open dialogue" around the issue, it’s time for government to fish or cut bait — make a decision that reflects the best interests of all parties.
Len Canfield, Halifax
