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N.B. addresses unreported lobster sales

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The New Brunswick government has a plan to deal with unreported lobster sales.

It’s an issue the province has identified as a challenge to the economy, trade and resource sustainability.

According to a release from the province, the Department of Justice and Public Safety will enhance enforcement measures.

At the same time, the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries will engage with stakeholders with respect to legislation, which would inform new rules or operational changes to provincial oversight systems.

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan said the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to protecting the province’s lobster fishery and ensuring fairness in the industry.

“By working with our provincial and federal partners, we aim to reduce unreported sales and strengthen the long-term sustainability of this critical industry,” Finnigan said in a statement.

Federal statistics indicate 10 to 30 per cent of lobster caught in New Brunswick goes unreported every year.

It means the loss of $5 million to $7 million in provincial tax revenue each year.

The provincial budget included $667,000 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety for a one-year pilot program to support the initiative.

The funding will pay for a co-ordinator and four enforcement positions.

“This is an important first step to ensure that everyone benefits from a level playing field,” Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin said.

dirt road in the middle of the flower field during day

Provincial government more than doubles Agriculture Road Program budget

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The Agriculture Road Program is aimed at improving public non-maintained roads so that farmers can use them, according to a government release.

The program’s annual budget was set at $100,000 until Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Departments announced the new benchmark of $250,000.

The 150% increase will pay for minor upgrades to road drainage systems as well as enhancing base materials and grading.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson said the province’s transportation network needs to support all industries.

“Any way our department can help support New Brunswick’s farming sector is a worthwhile endeavour,” stated Chiasson. “Making sure roads frequented by farm vehicles and machinery are maintained and safe helps to strengthen our province’s agricultural sector.”

Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan said the funding will ensure goods and equipment can be moved safely and efficiently from fields to storage or markets.

“We are pleased to see this program continue to support our farmers,” said Finnigan. “Well-maintained roads not only protect valuable farm equipment and reduce costs but also improves safety for everyone on our roadways.”

He says investments like this strengthen rural communities and keep the farming industry productive and competitive.

“If New Brunswick farmers are being looked at to drastically increase production in the next 10 years, they need the roads to get there,” said President of the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, Danielle Connell.

“The alliance, industry, and the government have all identified farmland optimization as a top priority … investments like this are fundamental to the future of agriculture in our province,” said Connell.

The program is in partnership with the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick and the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure collaborates with the alliance to stripe roads and add signs.

Upgrade requests can be submitted to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure or the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick.