Minister's Meeting Seeks Consensus

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell says he will be encouraging fishermen to unite during a two-day meeting that starts tonight in Truro.

"If we are going to accomplish all we want in Ottawa on the fisheries, we have to develop a united voice," said Mr. Colwell.

More than 50 commercial fishing organizations have sent representatives to attend the minister's conference at the Agri-TECH park conference centre.

Mr. Colwell said he suggested holding the conference because he believes the time has come for organizations to put their differences aside and speak for a united Nova Scotia when it comes to the fisheries.

He pointed to federal areas like the quotas and user fees as areas of contention for fishermen. They are also areas in which the province would like to see more progress.

"There's no doubt we must be more effective as a province when we deal with the federal government," the minister said. "I expect there will be some differences, but at the end of the day, the time has come for a united approach."

The meeting will also address how the provincial fisheries department can work more effectively with industry.

NOTE TO EDITORS: To arrange media interviews during the conference, please contact Steve Warburton at 902-497-7603 (cell).