Vote Results

Eastern shore fishermen have voted in favour of organizational representation after ballots were counted today, said Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Jim Barkhouse.

The eastern shore was one of four regions that voted as required under guidelines in the plebiscite which was required under guidelines in the Fisheries Organization Support Act. Three other regions of fishermen on mainland Nova Scotia also voted on the proposal.

"Organization for a common voice will help area three fishermen on the eastern Shore to be stronger and more united," Minister Barkhouse said after hearing the vote results. "This is the choice of fishermen."

The concept lost narrowly with fishermen in area four from Halifax harbour to the Lunenburg-Shelburne county line. Not enough fishermen participated in a vote in two other regions, area five Yarmouth and Shelburne counties, and area six from the Bay of Fundy region from Digby to the New Brunswick border. A 60 per cent participation is the minimum requirement for a valid vote.

Under the Act, fishermen in area three will have until next January to pick an organization of choice to which they will pay dues. The department will be assisting in that process.

Voting had taken place over the past few weeks. Counting was done today (Feb. 27) by representatives from the provincial Ombudsman's Office and overseen by an industry representative.

Under the Fisheries Organization Support Act, areas must wait for at least two years before conducting another vote on the question of representation.