New Brunswick’s Wolastoqey chiefs say Ottawa continues to prioritize non-Indigenous commercial fishing rights.
This comes after the announcement this week by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of the closing of the 2024 elver fishery due to poaching.
The six chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation say DFO refuses to stand up to ‘eeligarchy’ of the eight commercial elver fishery license holders.
“For years we have sought constructive discussions with the Minister and her predecessors about developing a viable way forward for the fishery that both respects our rights and is sustainable and safe,” the chiefs said in a statement.
“They have largely ignored our requests, pushing a process that excludes us from constructive discussions with officials who lack authority to engage on the critical issues of access and rights.”
Fisheries minister Diane Lebouthillier announced the closure this week due to concerns over poaching and violence on the rivers.
She adds they’re working on new regulations, but they wouldn’t have been ready in time for this season.
