Minister for Nova Scotia claims "organised crime" is involved in the lobster industry
Smith has reported that the lax enforcement by the federal Fisheries Department has allowed illegal activities to thrive, contributing to an increase in serious crime in the Clare and Meteghan areas.
Nova Scotia's Fisheries Minister Kent Smith and Justice Minister Barbara Adams have raised serious concerns about inadequate federal enforcement of the lobster fishery in the southwestern part of the province. Their letters to federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier highlight the growing influence of organized crime, which they argue has been fueled by insufficient oversight of illegal and out-of-season lobster fishing.
Smith has reported that the lax enforcement by the federal Fisheries Department has allowed illegal activities to thrive, contributing to an increase in serious crime in the Clare and Meteghan areas. According to Smith, local fishers have reported threats and fear speaking out due to the intimidation tactics used by organized crime.
Adams has detailed the provincial government's response, noting that the Justice Department has increased the number of RCMP officers in the Municipality of Clare. However, she pointed out that these additional costs are being borne by the province rather than the federal government.
Recent reports from the RCMP in Meteghan include violent incidents such as shots fired at a home, arson, and the burning of a police vehicle. While these incidents have not been directly linked to the fishery, they underscore the broader public safety concerns associated with the current enforcement issues.
