NDP says PC MLA ‘out of order’ for raising questions about aquaculture

HALIFAX, NS – NDP committee chair Sid Prest, the Eastern Shore MLA, would not allow Allan MacMaster to proceed with questions related to the aquaculture industry during a Legislative Committee meeting about the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s coastal strategy.

“The NDP is shutting down debate around aquaculture and not fulfilling their responsibility to be accountable to Nova Scotians,” said Inverness MLA MacMaster. “If a committee meeting about our coasts isn’t the time to raise these concerns, when is?”

Recently, two pens of salmon infected with Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) were culled on Nova Scotia's south shore. The Friends of Mouton Bay allege a fish farm polluted the bay and is killing lobster larvae and the Association for the Preservation of the Eastern Shore has expressed grave concerns about an application for three leases in Shoal Bay, Spry Bay and Beaver Harbour.

NDP MLAs in the Eastern Shore area have been under pressure by local residents upset with proposed fish farms in their area. MacMaster said the NDP’s move to rule his questions out of order reveal how much the NDP want to duck the issue.

"Despite all these concerns, the NDP have shown no leadership in ensuring aquaculture is safe and sustainable now and into the future," MacMaster said. "Aquaculture is a growing industry in our province so it's important that government get it right.

"MacMaster says the Progressive Conservative’s Fisheries and Aquaculture critic, Alfie MacLeod will meet with interested groups across Nova Scotia to hear their concerns and suggestions about making the industry safer and better.