by Nash Alonto
April 15, 2024
A Liberal MLA has called for an insurance program for Island fishers for financial assistance after hurricanes. The request was made during Question Period at the Legislative Assembly on Friday, April 12.
O’Leary-Inverness MLA Robert Henderson said fishers on the Island, who make as much revenue as farmers, aren’t currently given financial support after hurricanes like Dorian and Fiona.
“P.E.I.’s aquaculture industry grows nearly 45 million pounds of mussels, more than 10 million pounds of oysters, and over $4 million worth of finfish. Like agriculture, aquaculture grows and raises food, but unlike agriculture, who has a suite of business risk management programs and insurance for their crops, the aquaculture fishers on PEI assume all the risk,” Henderson said.
Fisheries Minister Cory Deagle agreed, saying that fishers do not have access to private insurance at reasonable rates.
Deagle said he has talked with federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay about creating an insurance program, similar to the P.E.I. Agricultural Insurance Corporation.
“I do think that if we’re going to keep having events like this, (fishers) do need the insurance,” he said.
Henderson then requesting Deagle to get a program in place the next year.
“Yes, we will, if the federal government is willing to be a partner in that,” he said.
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