Mr. Speaker, I rise again to bring attention to the plight which has befallen the historic fishing town of Canso, Nova Scotia.
The only major industry in the town, Seafreez Foods, remains closed due to the lack of quota. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans could put the people back to work by ensuring access to resource and accepting the 3O redfish proposal.
While the town is struggling the real tragedy lies in the human impact of a permanent plant closure. Loss of livelihood in this case dooms the town. In Canso four out of five children are using the breakfast program at the elementary school while 23 properties will go up for sale because of tax arrears and last week the only sit down restaurant in town joined other businesses in going under.
Recent census figures indicate that Guysborough county, where Canso is located, has the third highest figures of out migration in Canada. Monday evening villagers gathered for an ecumenical service at the Star of the Sea Church, not to mourn but to pray for help, hope and inspiration for their town.
The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans very much holds the fate of fellow Nova Scotians in his hands. I urge the minister in the strongest possible way to come to the aid of Canso in its time of crisis.