The Official Opposition is calling for the provincial government to release a report on the direct sales and marketing of seafood in the province.
Liberal fisheries critic Jim Bennett said the government has refused to release the report.
“Earlier this year, we placed an access to information request for this report, but were refused based on cabinet confidentiality,” he said.
The report was prepared in 2011 after questions from the Official Opposition on the issue of direct sales by harvesters, states a news release.
The Fish Inspection Act currently prohibits direct sales to anyone who isn’t a licenced buyer or processor.
Bennett said there is an increase in demand for local seafood by the restaurant and tourism industries.
“This is an area where there could be successful developments in the fishing, tourism and restaurant industries and we need informed dialogue to begin the process,” he said.
The release of the report could help spur economic activity in the province, while also addressing issues of food security and healthy eating, said Bennett.
“Government should be promoting the consumption of local seafood which, in turn, will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry and coastal communities,” he said.
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