Martin Smith, Gord Johns, & Thomas Burleigh
Thomas Burleigh, Leader of the Island New Democrats, invited Gord Johns, MP, Courtenay-Alberni and Fisheries Critic for Canada’s New Democrats, to meet with Oyster Industry spokespersons, including Martin Smith, Vice-President of the PEI Shellfisheries Association, and held a roundtable discussion in Ellerslie to hear directly from oyster fishers, growers, and processors.
Roundtable discussion with those most impacted by oyster crisis
“The invasive species MSX, and later Dermo, was first identified in June, 2024, and has been devastating to the $54 million plus per year Island Oyster Industry, severely impacting the incomes and livelihoods of fishers, growers, and processors. The inertia and failure of the tone deaf provincial and federal governments to seriously address the crisis is shocking leading to hardship, and mental health issues, including depression”, asserts the Island New Democrat Leader.
“What we need immediately are proactive initiatives to address the Oyster Industry crisis, including local research, hatcheries and nurseries to develop MSX and Dermo resistant oysters, as well as income bridging to assist families through this very difficult time,” explains Thomas Burleigh.
“We’re grateful to receive help from Member of Parliament Gord Johns, who will deliver our message to Ottawa, to give this critical issue the attention it rightly deserves,” concludes Burleigh.