By Canadian Press

Federal representative hopes to ease tensions in Nova Scotia lobster dispute

Oct 24, 2020 | 1:44 PM

HALIFAX — The man appointed by Ottawa to mediate the ongoing lobster fishing dispute in southwestern Nova Scotia says his priority will be de-escalating tension in the area.

Allister Surette was appointed Friday to work as a facilitator between Indigenous fishers from the Sipekne’katik First Nation and non-Indigenous fishers who work in St. Marys Bay.

Surette is the president of Université Sainte-Anne, a French-language university based in Church Point, N.S., not far from where the two sides have clashed over the First Nation’s new, self-regulated lobster fleet.

Soon after the fleet was launched last month — outside the federally regulated commercial season — there were violent protests, allegations of vandalism, and a lobster pound in Middle West Pubnico was burned to the ground last weekend.

Surette, who was born in West Pubnico, says he hopes to find common ground between the two groups. 

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

13h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

13h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

14h ago

He previously facilitated fishing disputes in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Iles-de-la-Madeleine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2020. 

– – – 

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press