Fisheries needs dedicated minister, says PEI Fishermen's Association

The PEI Fishermen's Association is asking for a dedicated minister of fisheries, or at leasta deputy that deals onlywith the fisheries portfolio.

• P.E.I. cabinet restructured under MacLauchlan

• Agriculture, fisheries pleased with portfolios

The PEIFAdiscussed this and many other issues at its annual meeting in Charlottetown over the weekend.

"We know fisheries is under a federal jurisdiction," said Ian MacPherson, executive director of the association.

Agriculture and fisheries are both important industries to the province, he saaid,so shouldn't be in the same portfolio.

"There is a lot that goes on that the province participates in. You know the industry is still going through structural change. And the farmers are feeling that they should have a minister focusing on their issues and you know we're saying the same thing on the fisheries side."

The association has sent its request to the premier's office,MacPhersonsaid.

"Our perception is the deputy's [working] flat-out, and that's not a great situation," he added. "We don't want to burn out the good people who are doing these jobs for us."