Opposition intensifies against the provincial Progressive Conservatives’ proposal to amend the P.E.I. Conflict of Interest Act, enabling cabinet minister Sidney MacEwen to retain ownership of his lobster fleet. The party announced plans earlier this week to alter the legislation, allowing the Morell-Donagh MLA to hold the fleet while serving as minister of transportation, infrastructure and energy, and minister of housing and communities.
Green Party Raises Alarms
P.E.I. Green Party Leader Matt MacFarlane expressed strong concerns in a recent statement, accusing Premier Rob Lantz of handling provincial and federal laws carelessly. “For our new Premier to make one of his first – and one of his most important – decisions without even consulting with the very people who this decision will affect – our Island fishers – does not sit well with me,” MacFarlane stated. He added that the premier appears distracted by a recent leadership race, losing sight of Islanders’ priorities.
The Conflict of Interest Act requires cabinet ministers to place business assets in a blind trust. However, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s owner-operator policy mandates that MacEwen’s fishing licence remain in his name. MacEwen plans to apply to the department for a substitute operator and has no intention of fishing this spring, while advocating for changes to the act to keep the licence under his control.
Process Criticized as Flawed
MacFarlane described the handling of the matter as bungled, calling discussions on amending the act premature. He criticized the premier’s comments about engaging federal officials at the highest levels as inappropriate interference. “That’s interference,” MacFarlane said. “The integrity of the commercial fishery is based on the owner-operator independence and being the beneficial holders of the license. So we can’t mess with that on a whim. And I think it’s a situation where the premier and his government are in a situation of acting first and then asking for forgiveness later.”
Fishermen’s Association Voices Disappointment
The P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association labeled the appointment troubling in a news release, emphasizing its advocacy for policies supporting independent owner-operators. Executive Director Ian MacPherson expressed surprise at the lack of consultation from the premier’s office. “We’ve always had good dialogue with the province,” he said. “It’s a real concern that the premier has gone on a very specific issue that hasn’t been talked about or even mentioned to the PEIFA…. Certainly there’s going to be pushback.”
MacFarlane argued that MacEwen should not hold a cabinet position given the conflict and noted the Progressive Conservatives’ seven-year majority provided ample time to amend the law legitimately. First elected in 2015, MacEwen enters cabinet with his fishing interests creating the current dilemma.
Federal MP Opposes Provincial Move
Egmont MP Bobby Morrissey also intervened, deeming the provincial attempt to alter the act unacceptable as it interferes with the owner-operator policy. “Owner-Operator rules are critical for responsible fisheries management,” his statement reads. “They ensure that inshore fishing licences are held and operated by the people who live and work in coastal communities, keeping the economic value of our marine resources where it belongs…. Rest assured, the federal government remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the policy.”
MacEwen maintains he seeks no rule changes, only a substitute operator approval due to exceptional circumstances from his cabinet role.
