Inside Politics

UPDATED - No mutiny here! Conservative MP John Williamson supports status quo on owner-operator and fleet separation policies

by Kady O'Malley Posted: June 21, 2012 4:08 PM Last Updated: June 21, 2012 4:40 PM
UPDATE: Cancel that East Coast backbench rebellion -- at least for now.

According to an email from Williamson's office, the claim that the government is considering possible changes to owner-operator or fleet separation is "purely an Opposition fabrication."

The ten percenter quoted above was a direct response to a "misleading" missive sent into his riding by PEI Liberal MP Laurence MacAulay earlier this spring, which warned Williamson's constituents that "Stephen Harper and Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield want to remove these vital policies [and] allow wealthy processors to scoop up fishing licences and force independent owner-operators out of the fishery."

"It was simply meant to clarify that if any changes were proposed in the future Mr. Williamson would not support any that would harm traditional fisheries," the email concludes.

"John has not joined the ranks of Mr. Wilks or Mr. Lunney. He supports the budget and the ten-percenter is no indication to the contrary."


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As reported by "fighting Newfoundlander" blogger Fisherman's Road, and twitterspotted by Newfoundland NDP MP Ryan Cleary, it seems that at least one member of the New Brunswick Conservative caucus may be joining the ranks of fellow backbenchers David Wilks and James Lunney in challenging -- albeit quietly -- a government-proposed policy shift: 

  From the blog:

  Williamson handout

New Brunswick MP John Williamson sent a flyer to constituents this week with the above message. I wonder if a flyer was sent to the home of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keithy (sic) Ashfield, whose riding is also in New Brunswick.

So, how is this likely to play out? It all depends on the mettle of the MP, it seems. 

It's worth noting that, while Wilks was quick to "clarify" his remarks and reaffirm his support for the budget bill, Lunney has shown himself to be made of sterner stuff. 

After his comments on the plan to cut back and centralize BC coastal search-and-rescue services made national news last week, he posted a statement to his website in which he not only reiterated his concerns, but expressed hope that the "public uproar" might lead to a "more promising solution." 

Will Williamson will follow Wilks down the path of least resistance, or stick to his guns, Lunney-style? We'll soon find out!

UPDATE: DFO spokesperson Erin Filliter offers this comment via email:

Regarding MP Williamson's position on Owner-Operator and Fleet Separation policies at DFO.

It is incorrect to say that this is an MP "coming out" against a government policy.

The Minister has been quite clear that he is not advocating any one position, plan or policy change.

The fishing industry indicated to him that DFO needs to change how it does business.

The Minister is simply doing what a fisheries Minister should do - seeking input from fishermen about how to improve the management of Canada's fisheries from the industry.

This is a preliminary discussion about challenges the industry is facing, including globally competitive markets, rising fuel costs, access to capital etc... and ways DFO might adjust its practise to help the industry meet some of these challenges.

Tags: blackberry jungle, coast guard, david wilks, james lunney, john williamson, omnibudget cutbacks