South Shore St Margarets MP Rick Perkins was named as Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Photo: Rick Perkins Office
South Shore-St. Margaret’s MP Rick Perkins was given a position in the Conservative Party’s shadow cabinet which was revealed by party leader Erin O’Toole on Tuesday.
Perkins was tapped as Conservative Shadow Cabinet Minister for Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
“I’m honoured to be taking on this responsibility and by the trust our Leader, Erin O’Toole is placing in me,” said Perkins. “The Liberal government has failed to stand up for commercial fishers, and the families that depend on a thriving fishing sector in our country.”
Fishing issues played a significant role in Perkins campaign as he was running against then incumbent Minister for Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard Bernadette Jordan.
Jordan faced heavy criticism for the Fisheries Department’s handling of the ongoing disputes surrounding moderate livelihood fisheries around Nova Scotia.
“I look forward to working with fish harvesters, industry leaders, and our First Nations to make sure that we create a sustainable and safe fishing industry in Canada for all,” Perkins said.
Perkins’s appointment makes him the top representative on fisheries issues in the Conservative caucus, and it means he will play an even more important role in holding the Minister of Fisheries accountable.
Perkins will not just be charged with keeping tabs on fisheries near his home on the Atlantic Ocean as his role will mean he is responsible for monitoring Pacific, Arctic, Atlantic and inland fishing operations.
Perkins touched on some of those responsibilities in a media release issued Tuesday.
“I will work hard to defend the interests of the commercial BC fishing industry including the iconic Pacific salmon stocks, and BC’s vital recreational fishery. In addition, our important freshwater fisheries are not receiving the attention that these commercial fishers deserve from the Liberal Government.”
Perkins counterpart in government is Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Joyce Murray from Vancouver Quadra.
