Automatic reply: [Potential Junk/Spam] Fwd: RE Persecuted Coutts protesters demand accountability from elected officials
Good Day;
Thank you for reaching out to me as MHA for the District of Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune or as Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
If your email is district related, please forward to my Constituency Assistant, Verna Anderson, to vernaanderson@gov.nl.ca or call 709 - 885 - 3067.
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My staff will coordinate all requests and follow up with you on my behalf to ensure your concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
Regards,
Elvis Loveless, MHA
43 - 45 Canada Drive
P.O. Box 38
Harbour Breton, NL
A0H 1P0
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
30 Strawberry Marsh Road
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Fwd: RE Persecuted Coutts protesters demand accountability from elected officials
Crab harvesters will lose out on $30M because price-setting panel sided with processors, says Efford
Price floor set at $2.60 per pound heading into 2024 season
With the time-sensitive snow crab season set to begin in a few days, fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador are once again talking about tying up their boats due to the price of crab.
One vocal critic says the new decision will cost harvesters as much as $30 million from a lucrative fishery that has become the economic mainstay in the industry since the cod collapse of the early 1990s.
The province's price-setting panel sided with the Association of Seafood Producers on Monday evening, setting a price floor of $2.60 per pound with the ability go up as market factors change.
The panel rejected a formula proposed by the Food, Fish & Allied Workers union, which was closely tied to the formula suggested by an independent report at the end of last season.
"There was a better way to do this," said FFAW president Greg Pretty. "The work was already done by Glen Blackwood in his report. The Blackwood formula provided a way for harvesters to be paid a fair market share, but that was tossed aside for a formula that is not tied to information harvesters can trust."
FFAW
president Greg Pretty says the decision from the price-setting panel is
disappointing, and a departure from the work done in the Blackwood
report. (Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada)
Fish harvesters took to social media to express their concerns, with some saying they weren't prepared to go fishing for $2.60 a pound.
John Efford, the Port de Grave fisherman who led protests throughout March, said when he heard the price setting panel had chosen the ASP formula his first reaction was one of disbelief.
"We were just totally overlooked. We had a fair — not one sided — but a fair and good proposal in," he told CBC News.
Efford estimates that fish harvesters will lose out of $30 million this year through the adoption of the ASP formula as opposed to the FFAW recommendation. From his perspective, it's not clear why the panel decided to accept the ASPs formula.
"It seems like that it was set up to fail from the beginning. It was never a decision to pick the FFAW formula. It was to disprove it, whichever way they could and not back up why they would choose the ASP," he said.
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Getting ready to fish is more than just making sure all the gear and boat maintenance, he said, it also includes making sure other factors are in order.
"The factors are not in line for me to go fishing. I am not going fishing till we get this straightened out," he said.
Last year's crab season was halted by a six-week protest, in which harvesters refused to fish for $2.20 per pound. Harvesters eventually went on the water for the same price, which rose to $2.60 per pound by the end of the season. An arbitrator later ruled the fisheries union was on the hook for damages suffered by processors resulting from the tie-up.
While Efford wouldn't say if anything was being planned in protest like a demonstration, he said discussions were happening.
"There's a plan being formulated on how to deal with this. That's all we could say," said Efford.
The ASP has not yet commented on the price-setting decision.
Panel explains decision
The FFAW formula would have seen harvesters paid on a sliding scale, starting with 100 per cent up front in the beginning of the season, and going down to 80 per cent as the season goes on.
This was a departure from the Blackwood formula, which proposed 80 per cent up front throughout the season to ensure harvesters were paid the same whether they fished early or late in the season.
In a written decision, the panel said it could not accept the FFAW formula because the sliding scale created potential for a situation "where the harvesters would be in a position of having to pay the processors back an overpayment at the end of the season."
The
snow crab season in Newfoundland and Labrador is shaping up to be
shrouded in controversy once again, after the fisheries union sounded
off on a decision from the province's price-setting panel. (CBC)
While the FFAW argued the chances of that were slim, the panel said it could not select a formula where fish harvesters could be indebted to processors.
On the other hand, the panel said the ASP formula was "not a Blackwood formula," but was based on historical crab prices and tackled some of the issues raised in the Blackwood report.
"The ASP offer provides a formula that addresses the FFAW's requirement that there be no initial holdback or 'variance,' and does not predict a situation which could result in a harvester receiving an overpayment that would need to be repaid to the processor or otherwise adjusted at the end of the season," the panel's decision reads.
However, not everyone who sat on the panel was satisfied with the decision they reached.
In a Facebook post, panel member Earle McCurdy, a former FFAW president, voiced his displeasure with the decision as well as his dissent.
He said the panel was put in a difficult position because of the recent Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act amendment that put the panel in a "straitjacket" where they had to use final offer selection from price formula offers submitted.
McCurdy wrote, "The panel would have potentially been in a much better position to be of service to the industry in finding an acceptable basis for all concerned for the 2024 fishery, if it had been given the authority to apply interest arbitration to the price formula as well as to conditions of sale (i.e. had not been bound to accept one of the submissions in its entirety.) Unfortunately, the panel's hands were tied in this regard."
The panel ultimately sided with a formula proposed by the ASP, which would see a floor price of $2.60 per pound. (Todd O'Brien/CBC)
The FFAW took issue with several facets of the ASP formula, saying it had no mechanism to benefit harvesters as the market increases during the season.
"ASP caps harvester share at 37 [per cent] once the market reaches $8.02 CAD, contrary to historic pricing shares that increases the harvester share as market prices increase," reads a release from the union on Monday evening.
The panel's decision came hours after the provincial Fisheries Minister Elvis Loveless wrote to the FFAW, formally agreeing to terms set after protests two weeks ago. The agreement allows fish harvesters to sell their catch out of province, leading some to ponder if it's better to sell in Nova Scotia this season.
Efford said outside buyers are already reaching out to him and have offered $3.25 per pound.
With files from Paula Gale and Elizabeth Whitten
Beware of anything the government agrees to.
Fisheries protests give rise to a new John Efford — but what's next for the unofficial leader?
Fishermen fought the same issue in 1996, when a different John Efford was in charge
Hundreds of fish harvesters chanted John Efford's name last Friday as he delivered the news they'd been waiting to hear. He'd just negotiated a deal with the Newfoundland and Labrador government for what harvesters consider a better way forward in the fisheries.
Until this month, the general public would have associated Efford's name with his late father — the former fisheries minister who was a firebrand in his own right.
But here was the younger Efford, a fisherman from Port de Grave, standing in the back of a pickup truck with a group of followers gathered in front of him.
He had led them through two days of intense protests outside the house of government, and now he was the one holding the megaphone — not Fish, Food and Allied Workers union president Greg Pretty, nor FFAW treasury-secretary Jason Spingle.
"Thank Jesus we've finally got some leadership!" a fisherman yelled from the crowd.
"Isn't it about time?" Efford quipped, garnering cheers.
Rough road to unity in fisheries union
The FFAW has been beleaguered by attempts to break it up since at least 2016, when former politician Ryan Cleary led a group of disgruntled fishermen to form FISH-NL.
Jason
Spingle, John Efford Jr. and Greg Pretty addressed a crowd of fish
harvesters on Friday afternoon, telling them a deal had been reached
with the provincial government to end days of protests. (Ryan Cooke/CBC)
One of their biggest gripes was that the union representing them was also representing fish plant workers, and what's good for one side can be conversely bad for the other.
While Cleary's attempts to form a breakaway union died out over time, those same frustrations were at the core of the protests this month, as fishermen decried a lack of control over their own enterprises. Many told CBC News they were at the mercy of the merchants: being told by processors when they could fish, how much they could catch and where they could sell it.
Efford's group started protesting in early March, demanding the provincial government allow fish harvesters more control. If they weren't satisfied with local options, they wanted to be able to look outside the province to sell their catch.
They scored a big win on March 14, when the FFAW announced it was backing their fight.
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"It's a step now towards unity," Efford told The Broadcast that night. "It's a step towards bringing all fish harvesters together with our union, with our leadership."
That message continued throughout last week's protests, which saw fishermen tangle with police officers and shut down a provincial budget speech.
When Premier Andrew Furey insisted he wouldn't negotiate with "splinter groups," Efford responded by saying: "We are the FFAW. We are not a splinter group. Every fisherman here is the FFAW."
Same fight, different John Efford
It's not the first time a man named John Efford has led a movement of fishermen accused of being a splinter group.
His father — who had been temporarily removed from the cabinet of Liberal premier Clyde Wells — helped form the United Fisherpersons of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1992, protesting the slashing of cod stocks and the eventual moratorium.
A few years later, the elder Efford was on the other side of the protest line. He was the fisheries minister in 1996, as crab prices plummeted and fish harvesters railed for the right to sell to buyers from outside the province.
John
Efford Sr. was both a provincial and federal politician, rising to the
ministerial ranks at both levels. He died in 2022 at 77. (Canadian Press)
Efford Sr. allowed it, but only for a 30-day window, causing ire across the industry. Fishermen clashed with police, and one even rushed towards Efford Sr. as he spoke to the crowd.
A task force report published following the 1996 season stated: "Harvesters spoke out strongly on the issue of outside buyers. They stated their belief that the fish processing industry is controlled by a 'cartel' and that outside buyers represent the only real competition to this group."
Twenty-eight years later, the younger John Efford led a group of protesters back to the steps of the Confederation Building and made exactly the same complaint.
What's next for Efford and the FFAW?
Throughout this month's protests, there were quips in the crowd that the true leader of the FFAW was the unelected man with the megaphone.
On March 12, Fisheries Minister Elvis Loveless told angry fish harvesters outside Confederation Building that he'd like to discuss the issue with their union, to which some shouted expletives about their leadership.
The anti-union sentiment became less overt two days later when the FFAW came onside with the movement.
After a deal was struck, CBC News asked Efford if he had any aspirations for an executive position within the union, or to follow in his father's footsteps and enter politics.
"All I wanna do is go fishing," he replied. "That's why I'm here."
John Efford addresses fish harvesters gathered outside the Confederation Building in St. John's on Friday afternoon. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press)
Throughout the protests, he was able to rally sects of fish harvesters that don't see eye-to-eye. That includes harvesters who were aligned with FISH-NL, those who remained closer to the FFAW, and those who broke in different directions over the years.
The president of the union took notice.
"We have groups in this province that have spent eight years of their lives trying to tear down the FFAW," Pretty said.
"They were here. They're still at it. So you have to wonder what's going on. I happen to acknowledge that this process has brought some groups together. I've talked to some harvesters here today, so I have a good feeling moving forward. That solidarity is what's going to change this system. Not splinter groups."
Whatever his aspirations are, Pretty said Efford will be an asset as they begin what they hope is a new chapter in the fishing industry.
"He did play a major role in organizing these protests, there's no question about that," Pretty said.
"We'll work closely together to make sure that we have solidarity moving forward, because it can only happen when we are together."
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The Broadcast, Terry Roberts
Fish harvesters reach deal with N.L. government to allow catch to be sold to outside buyers
Agreement also reached on changing capacity limits, says FFAW
John Efford Jr. fought back tears as he announced the news to hundreds of fish harvesters standing before him — they'd struck a deal with the Newfoundland and Labrador government to end days of protests, including a raucous one Wednesday that cancelled the provincial budget.
According to Efford — the de facto protest leader — and members of the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union, the provincial government has agreed to let fish harvesters sell their catch to buyers from outside the province, regardless of species.
They also said they have commitments on moving caps on processing to promote competition within the industry.
"We got 'er done," Efford told reporters afterward. "Free enterprise for every species."
Efford said they've also reached agreements on introducing new processing licences and increasing processing limits, in an effort to promote more competition among the companies that buy fish from harvesters in the province.
All commitments will have to be put on paper within five business days, he said.
In a statement issued Friday afternoon, Fisheries Minister Elvis Loveless called the meeting positive and said talks will continue.
"We all share the same goal of seeing an organized start to the 2024 fishing season," said the statement. "Our government will continue to work with the FFAW, the Association of Seafood Producers, and other fisheries stakeholders on these and other issues in the fishery as we continue to recognize the value of the industry and the hard-working individuals working within it."
CBC News asked for an interview with Loveless, and was told he was not available Friday.
Protests come to a close
With an agreement in place, the crowd left Confederation Building and headed home.
Protests have been ongoing throughout March, leading into the snow crab season next month. The situation reached a climax Wednesday, when fishermen and their supporters shut down Confederation Building and prevented the provincial government from introducing its annual budget.
They returned Thursday, prompting the Liberal government to go ahead with introducing the budget in the House of Assembly despite the absence of opposition parties, unions and most media outlets.
On Friday morning, the protesters headed to a parking lot opposite the building. Efford told them he'd scored a meeting with Fisheries Minister Elvis Loveless and asked them to refrain from protesting while the meeting was ongoing.
A few hundred metres away, police in riot gear stood ready for any outcome, taping off a section outside Confederation Building where chaos had erupted in previous days.
In the end, their presence wasn't needed.
Fishermen emotional with outcome
Throughout the week, fishermen spoke about the problems they face in the fishery.
Most — like Colin Kennedy — spoke of how they're beholden to the fish plants. They're given specific days they can sell to plants, meaning other factors like weather often have to be overlooked.
"We fish in the smallest boats. We're being told when to go, when to come and how much to bring in," Kennedy said. "We're putting our lives at risk."
Kennedy said it was an emotional day, one where the future finally feels brighter.
Daniel
Hearn is a fish harvester from Petty Harbour. He couldn't hold back
tears as he described how these changes to the fishery will affect his
life. (Radio-Canada)
His sentiments were echoed by Daniel Hearn, who couldn't hold back his tears as he spoke to reporters.
"As of yesterday, I had no future, what I got I'm gonna lose. Today, I got a future," he said.
Hearn said he felt he was under the thumb of the company that buys his catch. He said it felt hopeless at time, unable to sell his catch elsewhere and unable to influence key factors like pay.
These promised changes, he said, put some power back in the hands of harvesters.
In a statement, PC Leader Tony Wakeham said the deal should have been done months ago for a sector crucial to the province.
"After weeks of fighting the Furey Liberals, harvesters and crew members finally got a deal," the statement said, "We'll also continue to monitor progress. If the Furey Liberals fail to deliver, we'll hold them accountable."
Seafood producers upset at deal
The Association of Seafood Producers, meanwhile, was not in favour of the concessions made to fish harvesters.
"We're very disappointed to say the least that a decision of this magnitude would be made as a result of this type of protest," said ASP executive director Jeff Loder. "These are important public policy decisions. They should be made from the result of in-depth policy analysis and work, and we will have more to say over the coming days."
Loder said he feels Newfoundland and Labrador processing companies can compete with outside buyers, but they are concerned about the changes. He also said any changes to processing limits or new licences could have a negative impact across the industry, which he says is already over capacity.
"ASP is fundamentally opposed to any increase in any caps or any new licenses," he said. "There are implications of that and we will be responding accordingly."
Spingle, secretary-treasurer of the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union speaks to the crowd through a megaphone. (Ryan Cooke/CBC)
While many specifics remain to be seen, Efford said news of new licences should come within a week. He said outside buyers will need to apply to the provincial government to buy fish from Newfoundland and Labrador. The applications will be assessed by a panel.
"I think we're there," Efford told reporters. "Again, there may be some small, fine-tuning that has to be done. But essentially I think we're there."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Mar 22, 2024 at 2:31 PM
Subject: Re: Attn Jason Carrier of the RCMP
To: <communications@ffaw.ca>
RNC pursuing charges after police horses struck during protest
Fish harvesters blame police for man's broken hip
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says it's pursuing criminal charges after two of its police horses were struck during a tense exchange with fish harvesters and police outside Confederation Building on Wednesday.
"There are specific Criminal Code violations for injuries against a law enforcement animal which will be pursued," wrote RNC communications director Danielle Barron in an email.
Barron pointed to the charge of wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or a bird.
Video captured by CBC News shows one man slapping a police horse on the hindquarters and another pulling on the horse's harness as the animals closed in on individuals blocking the entrance. It is unclear which incident the police force is referring to when discussing the potential of laying charges.
During a news conference hours later, Premier Andrew Furey said there was a "fairly significant injury" to one RNC officer, who was seen being taken away by ambulance. No details have been released on the severity of the injury; however, the RNC said the injury occurred during a "rush" from protesters.
"Some of the videos that I've seen punching horses and assaulting individuals … that's unacceptable and the police have a job to do and as they will continue to do today," Furey said.
The
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says two of its horses were struck by
demonstrators which forced the mounted unit to retreat from the area. (Mark Quinn/CBC)
During that same skirmish as police attempted — and failed — to escort public servants into the building, fish harvester Richard Martin of Shoe Cove was injured and taken to hospital.
John Efford Jr. told CBC News that Martin broke his hip after an exchange with police.
Video from the scene does not show what happens before Martin is on the ground.
"This is your fault, motherf--ker," another fisherman yells, pointing to a police officer. "You should be ashamed of yourself."
Fish harvester Jason Sullivan called the injury "needless."
"You could tell by the way that people were congregated around the entrances that, you know, no one was getting in. There was no need of the RNC running at people with horses, trying to drive them and scare them away," Sullivan said.
In a statement released shortly before 3:30 p.m. NT, the RNC said its response was "not unlike other demonstrations of similar size" and it respects the right to a peaceful protest.
"We continue to ask that all demonstrators remain respectful, peaceful and lawful," the statement says.
"Disruptive activities may lead to arrests and criminal charges under relevant Criminal Code sections, for example mischief, causing a disturbance, unlawful assembly, etc."
With files from The Signal
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2024 20:48:53 -0400
Subject: Fwd: Attn Jason Carrier of the RCMP
To: Jason.Carrier@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2024 20:40:51 -0400
Subject: Attn Jason Carrier of the RCMP
To: Jason.Carrier@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Cc: "Greta.Bossenmaier" <Greta.Bossenmaier@hq.nato.int>, washington
field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, "Mark.Blakely"
<Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "martin.gaudet"
<martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca>
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2024/02/one-picture-says-thousand-words.html
Statement from Minister Loveless on Fisheries Discussions
March 22, 2024
The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, issued the enclosed statement regarding meetings held with FFAW and some of its harvester members.
“Earlier today, I met with Greg Pretty, President of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW), and some of the union’s harvester members to continue discussions regarding agreeable changes that will move the fishing industry forward for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, particularly those in more rural communities.
I am pleased to share that it was a productive meeting that has led to positive outcomes intended to support FFAW harvesters, plant workers, and all stakeholders in our province’s valuable fishing industry. We all share the same goal of seeing an organized start to the 2024 fishing season.
Our government will continue to work with the FFAW, the Association of Seafood Producers, and other fisheries stakeholders on these and other issues in the fishery as we continue to recognize the value of the industry and the hard-working individuals working within it.”
-30-
MEDIA RELEASE: Harvester & Processor Reps Walk Out of Capelin Advisory, Extremist ENGOs Appointed Participants
The 2+3 Capelin advisory kicked off this morning in Gander, with virtual and in person participation. Late this morning, participants were informed that ENGOs Oceans North and Oceana were changed from observer to stakeholder status, giving the extremist organizations who actively work to shut down the commercial fishery an active seat at the table. Harvesters and processors, who both hold true stakeholder status in the advisory processes, agreed that there is no place for these types of organizations at the table. These representatives walked out of the meeting in protest of DFO’s decision, and the meeting ended without the presentation of science information.
###
Inquiries, please email cglode@ffaw.ca
FFAW Responds to ASP Media Statement, Lack of Capacity Still Core of Protests
FFAW adamantly disputes ASP’s claim that lifting provincial processing caps will harm existing processing plant workers. To be clear, the vast majority of fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador experience trouble finding a reliable buyer for their catch.
This is not a one-off problem, in a single fishery. This is a widespread, systemic issue facing the provincial processing landscape in our province.
FFAW-Unifor inherently supports keeping work in our province. Longer seasons and more work is better for everyone involved in the inshore fishery.
Harvesters are not able to land their allotted quotas because the plant they are tied to either refuses to – or cannot due to caps – buy their product. Combined with dramatic decreases in prices last year, and similarly dramatic increases in expenses, the inshore owner-operator fishery is confronting an acute breaking point.
Thousands of owner-operator enterprises are facing bankruptcy, while the small handful of corporations that control the fishery get bigger and bigger. Competition in recent years has declined significantly. ASP member companies employ nearly half the crab processing workers now than when the province had similar quota levels.
Unfortunately, processing companies tell their workers that increasing market access for harvesters will mean losing their jobs. This is a lie, and a harmful one that drives our membership apart.
In recent years, rather than improve work for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the majority of ASP member companies have focused on bringing in Temporary Foreign Workers. If these companies were so committed to coastal communities, emphasis would be put on finding ways to recruit and retain local workforce.
More competition is better for our fishery. It is better for fish harvesters, better for plant workers, and better for the long-term sustainability of coastal communities. Because one cannot survive without the other.
Demonstrations will continue tomorrow, Friday, March 22, 2024!
FFAW-Unifor
368 Hamilton Ave.
P.O. Box 10, Station C
St. John’s, NL, Canada
A1C 5H5
Phone: (709) 576-7276
Fax: (709) 576-1962
communications@ffaw.ca
Police don riot gear as N.L. Liberals make 2nd attempt at budget amid protests
Hundreds of protesters and police in riot gear stationed outside province's legislature
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador appears poised to push ahead with its provincial budget Thursday even as members of the media and an entire political party have opted to stay out.
The provincial NDP issued a press release at 10 a.m. NT saying its members would not attend the budget, as hundreds of fish harvesters protested outside Confederation Building in St. John's.
The protest was met by dozens of Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers in riot gear.
"The premier has let the situation get out of control," said NDP Leader Jim Dinn in the press release. "If the premier had shown the same determination in resolving this issue even a year ago, as he has demonstrated in pushing his own agenda, we wouldn't need police in riot gear."
A spokesperson for the government sent a memo to reporters at 8 a.m., saying the budget would be going ahead. They followed up later, telling reporters to enter the building with a police escort at 9:30 a.m.
At least five of the province's media outlets — CBC, NTV, VOCM and the St. John's Telegram — opted not to cross the protest line. CBC executive producer Peter Gullage cited safety concerns and uncertainty in minute-by-minute decisions being made by the provincial government.
Before the media agreed not to cross the protest line, the provincial government had already cancelled budget lock-ins — when groups are given copies of the budget to review in advance of its official release — for unions and members of the public due to safety concerns. Those decisions were not relayed to media outlets.
Demonstration organizer John Efford Jr. speaks to a crowd of protesters on Thursday morning, telling them to not incite others. (Terry Roberts/CBC)
Earlier in the morning, police were seen having a cordial conversation with protest leaders, urging them to avoid a repeat of Wednesday's raucous events — particularly with a court-ordered injunction now in place that prohibits protesters from blocking safe access to Confederation Building, which is both home to the legislature and the main government complex.
Protest leader John Efford Jr. addressed the crowd a few minutes later.
"We're just going to make our presence known to the people that are going to work this morning. But we are going to be peaceful," he said over a megaphone. "Do not, do not get caught up in cat-calling. Do not get caught up in incitement. If anybody says anything to you today, say, 'Have a nice day.'"
Protesters demanding changes in fishing industry
The group of mostly fish harvesters has been protesting since early March on a number of conditions. For one, they want to be allowed to sell their catch to buyers outside the province. As it stands, they can sell only to buyers within the province at a price negotiated by the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union and the Association of Seafood Producers.
They also want processing limits lifted on independent fish plants to allow them to compete with the few companies that largely control processing in the province.
"Basically our message is free enterprise," Efford Jr. told CBC News on Thursday morning, adding the current system is "against what Canada believes in."
While the provincial government has committed to acting on both demands for the crab fishery — a lucrative but time-limited season that opens in the spring — the protesters say they want the concessions for all species.
Efford said they feel the discussions have put all options on the table, but with crab season fast approaching, he wants to see concrete solutions.
"All they're giving us is a general [message] that they will look at it," Efford Jr. said. "But we need specifics. This won't work without specific detail as to what they are going to do."
The Association of Seafood Producers, which has been mostly quiet throughout the protests, cancelled a news conference planned for Thursday morning with an hour's notice. No reason was given, but the group said it would provide a press release later in the day.
The police are now tasked with enforcing an injunction that a Supreme Court of Newfoundland justice handed down during Wednesday's chaos and commotion.
The injunction prevents anyone from blocking access to the building or interfering with public servants.
Things got ugly Wednesday morning when government workers tried to enter the building and were turned back by a throng of protesters. Demonstrators clashed with police officers and horses, with one protester and one officer being sent to hospital to be treated for injuries. The RNC said it will be pursuing charges against protesters who struck police horses during the melee.
Will a budget be introduced?
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey was adamant Wednesday that the budget will be introduced, saying it's just a matter of when.
Furey said he was disappointed by the actions of "some" protesters but his government won't be stopped from proceeding with important business for the citizens of the province.
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"There will be a budget for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, full stop. That is the intent," he said. "When it is safe to do so, people can enter the building, and we will do it."
Police donned riot gear on Thursday morning, a step up from their response the previous day. As of 6:30 a.m., about two dozen officers were guarding the rear entrance of the building, which is most commonly used by government officials to access their offices.
By
8:30 a.m., protesters had moved closer to the doors of Confederation
Building and closer to the line of police officers in riot gear. (Darrell Roberts/CBC)
CBC News will be following the story throughout the day and will provide regular updates.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The Current
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Liberal MHAs alone on N.L. budget day, as all other members decline to cross protest line
Hundreds of protesters and police in riot gear stationed outside province's legislature
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador appears poised to push ahead with its provincial budget Thursday even as opposing political parties have opted to stay out.
The provincial NDP issued a press release at 10 a.m. NT saying its members would not attend the budget, as hundreds of fish harvesters protested outside Confederation Building in St. John's. Speaking to protesters before noon, Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham announced his party would do the same.
Radio-Canada has confirmed both Independent MHAs have also declined to attend.
The protest was met by dozens of Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers in riot gear, with tensions high throughout the morning.
"The premier has let the situation get out of control," said NDP Leader Jim Dinn in a press release. "If the premier had shown the same determination in resolving this issue even a year ago, as he has demonstrated in pushing his own agenda, we wouldn't need police in riot gear."
A spokesperson for the government sent a memo to reporters at 8 a.m., saying the budget would be going ahead. The usual "lock-in" for reporters — in which journalists can read budget documents and ask questions of politicians and officials — was rearranged after four of the province's media outlets opted not to cross the protest line together under police watch. A shorter briefing is being held at another location, with the budget expected to be released at 2 p.m.
The government had already cancelled similar briefings for unions, community leaders and others due to safety concerns. Those decisions were not relayed to media outlets.
Protester
Jamy Lee Foss records himself and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
officers in riot gear at Confederation Building on Thursday morning. (Darrell Roberts/CBC)
Earlier in the morning, police were seen having a cordial conversation with protest leaders, urging them to avoid a repeat of Wednesday's raucous events — particularly with a court-ordered injunction now in place that prohibits protesters from blocking safe access to Confederation Building, which is both home to the legislature and the main government complex.
Protest leader John Efford Jr. addressed the crowd a few minutes later.
"We're just going to make our presence known to the people that are going to work this morning. But we are going to be peaceful," he said over a megaphone. "Do not, do not get caught up in cat-calling. Do not get caught up in incitement. If anybody says anything to you today, say, 'Have a nice day.'"
Protesters demanding changes in fishing industry
The group of mostly fish harvesters has been protesting since early March on a number of conditions. For one, they want to be allowed to sell their catch to buyers outside the province. As it stands, they can sell only to buyers within the province at a price negotiated by the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union and the Association of Seafood Producers.
They also want processing limits lifted on independent fish plants to allow them to compete with the few companies that largely control processing in the province.
"Basically our message is free enterprise," Efford told CBC News on Thursday morning, adding the current system is "against what Canada believes in."
While the provincial government has committed to acting on both demands for the crab fishery — a lucrative but time-limited season that opens in the spring — the protesters say they want the concessions for all species.
Efford said they feel the discussions have put all options on the table, but with crab season fast approaching, he wants to see concrete solutions.
"All they're giving us is a general [message] that they will look at it," Efford said. "But we need specifics. This won't work without specific detail as to what they are going to do."
Police
formed a line outside Confederation Building on Thursday morning,
wearing riot gear. Other police wore tactical gear with carbine rifles. (Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada)
The Association of Seafood Producers, which has been mostly quiet throughout the protests, cancelled a news conference planned for Thursday morning with an hour's notice. No reason was given, but the group said it would provide a press release later in the day.
The police are now tasked with enforcing an injunction that a Supreme Court of Newfoundland justice handed down during Wednesday's chaos and commotion.
The injunction prevents anyone from blocking access to the building or interfering with public servants.
Things got ugly Wednesday morning when government workers tried to enter the building and were turned back by a throng of protesters. Demonstrators clashed with police officers and horses, with one protester and one officer being sent to hospital to be treated for injuries. The RNC said it will be pursuing charges against protesters who struck police horses during the melee.
Police served the injunction to two people deemed the protest organizers, Efford and Jason Spingle, Thursday morning. They did not appear at a hearing at Supreme Court to contest it, meaning the order remains in place, unchanged.
Another hearing to extend the order, if needed, has been set for April 15.
Will a budget be introduced?
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey was adamant Wednesday that the budget will be introduced, saying it's just a matter of when.
Furey said he was disappointed by the actions of "some" protesters but his government won't be stopped from proceeding with important business for the citizens of the province.
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"There will be a budget for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, full stop. That is the intent," he said. "When it is safe to do so, people can enter the building, and we will do it."
Police donned riot gear on Thursday morning, a step up from their response the previous day. As of 6:30 a.m., about two dozen officers were guarding the rear entrance of the building, which is most commonly used by government officials to access their offices.
Demonstration organizer John Efford Jr. speaks to a crowd of protesters on Thursday morning, telling them to not incite others. (Terry Roberts/CBC)
CBC News will be following the story throughout the day and will provide regular updates.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The Current
Efford says son's illegal fishing charge "matter for courts"
Newfoundland's Fisheries Minister says the courts will decide if his son is guilty of fishing violations John Efford Junior has been charged with illegally fishing for squid and with operating a boat without the proper registration.
In a story in the Telegram, Efford Senior accuses the Department of Fisheries of trying to get at him by going after his son. The Fisheries Minister said on Tuesday that he made the statement after an extremely difficult Monday. He says he can't take it back, no matter how much he might want to.
He now says he's leaving the judgement of the case up to the court.
Efford Jr. guilty of illegal squidding
The son of Provincial Fisheries Minister John Efford has pleaded guilty to illegally jigging squid.
John Efford Junior was fined $500.
The charge of illegal squidding was one of two laid by Federal Fisheries. He was also charged with operating a vessel without the proper registration.
That charge was dropped.
Former cabinet minister John Efford dead at 77
Efford served in federal, provincial cabinets
Former Newfoundland and Labrador provincial and federal politician John Efford has died. He was 77.
In a statement, Efford's family said he died in hospital in Carbonear on Sunday.
"Dad was a proud and passionate Newfoundlander who deeply loved this province and its people.… He always wore his heart on his sleeve," daughter Jackie said in the statement.
"His many years of public service and commitment to making a difference in the lives of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians was second to none."
Efford was a cabinet minister during much of the provincial Liberal governments of the 1990s. (CBC)
Efford sat in Newfoundland and Labrador's House of Assembly from 1985 to 2001 as the MHA for Port de Grave.
He ran for the provincial Liberal leadership in 2001, losing to Roger Grimes by just 14 votes.
Efford moved on to federal politics and was elected to the House of Commons as an MP in 2002.
He served in the Liberal government for the next three years, with part of his time in office spent as the minister of natural resources, including when Newfoundland and Labrador reached a new agreement with the federal government on the Atlantic Accord in 2005.
Efford retired from politics in 2006 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017.
He went public with his diagnosis in an interview with CBC News two years later in hopes of raising awareness of the disease and rallying for more research and scientific advances.
Premier Andrew Furey offered his condolences Sunday, calling Efford "a force."
"Without a doubt, John was one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most recognizable and colourful figures, inside and outside the political arena," Furey said in a statement.
"I am glad to have called John a friend and send condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the provincial government."
The province will said it will fly flags at all government buildings at half-mast from sunrise to sunset until Efford's funeral.
Pam Parsons, MHA for Efford's former seat in the Harbour Grace-Port de Grave district, said Efford was always by her side, supporting her.
"John Efford was a pioneer and a leader out here in this region, and across our province, ultimately. But he was also a family friend," she said.
Premier
Danny Williams and Prime Minister Paul Martin watch the Atlantic Accord
being signed by federal Natural Resources Minister John Efford, front
right, and Newfoundland and Labrador Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan.
In a statement, former prime minister Paul Martin said he was saddened to learn of his former cabinet minister's death.
"John had a remarkable political career in Ottawa and in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was a passionate advocate for his constituents, for the province he loved, for its fishing industry as well as the communities that depend on it," Martin said.
"He never shied away from any challenge in his years as a provincial and federal advocate and faced them all with resolve and kindness. He was an extraordinary public servant, a cherished colleague and a friend."
Former premier Danny Williams remembered Efford's dedication to Newfoundland and Labrador.
"I had a deep admiration for his absolute commitment to serving the people of our province," Williams said in a statement.
"His love for Newfoundland and Labrador and for those he represented was unwavering, and a testament to what it is to be a public servant. His legacy will certainly be a lasting one."
Efford's family has asked for privacy. A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Roles - Hon. Ruben John Efford
Current and Past
Member of Parliament
Political Affiliation
Offices and Roles as a Parliamentarian
Committees
Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary Groups
Election Candidate
| Date | Election Type | Constituency | Province / Territory | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2004 | General Election | Avalon | Newfoundland and Labrador | Re-Elected |
| May 13, 2002 | By-election | Bonavista—Trinity—Conception | Newfoundland and Labrador | Elected |
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