Mr. Speaker, a number of socio-economic and environmental groups, as well as professional fishermen, have formed a major coalition to condemn the alarmist and inappropriate comments of the Quebec environment and wildlife minister.
Last week, at a press conference on the raising of the Irving Whale , the minister mentioned various alarmist scenarios, including the possible contamination of snow crab stocks, to justify his opposition to the project.
The minister should remember that a security perimeter has been in place around the wreck for over ten years to prevent any contamination risk.
At a time when the fishing and tourism season is getting into full swing in the Magdalen islands, the PQ minister would be well advised to avoid fearmongering, for such comments can only hurt economic activity in the region.