Bernadette Jordan: "Let me be clear it is solely the Provincial Government who will decide if, and where new aquaculture sites are developed in Nova Scotia."
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CKBW News | Evan Taylor | March 16, 2020
Bridgewater, NS, Canada
Bernadette Jordan Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard says whether or not Cermaq establishes open-pen farms is out of her jurisdiction.
The issue has risen to prominence in recent months, especially in the last few weeks as Cermaq hosted town hall meetings in various communities. The meetings demonstrated a profound lack of support as virtually all in attendance were opposed.
Last week the Chester VIllage Commission penned an open letter stating their opposition. Bill Nauss Chairman of the Commission says this issue will heavily impact voters in the area “I guarantee you if these farms go ahead it will be a nail in the coffin for any Liberals running on the South Shore.”
He went on to make special note of his MP Bernadette Jordan “She was in my door and If I knew she would be so quiet about this issue I never would have voted for her.”
We reached out to Minister Jordan and received this email.
“The discussions we are having on aquaculture are important. They touch on environmental, social, and economic issues, and speaks to who we are as Nova Scotians. I want our community to know that I am listening. I hear their concerns.
Let me be clear, it is solely the Provincial Government who will decide if, and where, new aquaculture sites are developed in Nova Scotia.
What I can do is encourage all community members to make their opinions known. If you feel strongly that new aquaculture sites should not be developed, I encourage you to make your objections known to the Provincial Government. You can do this either by contacting the office of the Hon. Keith Colwell, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, or your local MLA.
Citizen engagement is vital to healthy, functioning communities. For that reason, I want to ensure that every resident on the South Shore feels heard on this matter. Please continue to express your opinions and concerns to the decision-makers on this issue. The best decisions are made when we work with those who will be directly affected by them.”
Decisions will need to be made shortly as Cermaq’s leases to explore potential sites are running out. Four of the six leases expire on March 27th with no option for extension. The leases for the areas of St.Margaret Bay and Mahone Bay end on July 9th but are eligible for a three-month extension.
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