Provincial Budget Prompts Protesters to Block Newfoundland and Labrador Legislature
A group of over 100 protesting fishers prevented Newfoundland and Labrador government officials from entering the legislature on March 20 before the provincial budget presentation.
Despite efforts by Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers on horses to disperse the shouting crowd, they were largely unsuccessful, and at least one protester had to be taken away on a stretcher.
The protesters, who arrived at the building around 5:30 a.m. local time, argue that the province’s fishery is overly regulated and that a few established processors and buyers are behaving like a cartel, driving down prices.
Two constabulary officers on horseback maneuvered their horses into the crowd to scatter the fishers, leading to a chaotic and tense situation. Protesters shouted, some fell over, and there were cries from the crowd about injuries.
After engaging with the crowd for about 20 minutes, the mounted officers eventually retreated as protesters formed a line to push back the horses, resulting in cheers from the protesters.
Subsequently, an ambulance arrived to help an injured protester who was in pain and took the individual away for treatment.
Fisherman Jason Sullivan from Bay Bulls, N.L., expressed that fishers desire increased access to the fishery.
Speaking outside the legislature, Sullivan stated, “The government has us cornered. We want to fish, but with only a handful of buyers acting like a cartel, we’re not receiving fair prices.”
He criticized the government for exerting excessive control over the fishery, hindering new processors and buyers from entering the market.
Newfoundland and Labrador Finance Minister Siobhan Coady was set to present the 2024-25 budget on Wednesday, with expectations of a balanced budget.
Meghan McCabe, the communications director for Premier Andrew Furey, attempted to enter the legislature in the morning but was denied access. She mentioned that she would provide updates to the media later regarding the budget presentation.
