Police in riot gear hold off fisheries protesters as N.L. Liberals finally land budget
Hundreds of protesters and police in riot gear stationed outside province's legislature
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador pushed ahead with its provincial budget Thursday even as opposing political parties opted to stay out, capping a dramatic day that saw police — many clad in riot gear — stare down frustrated fisheries workers.
Finance Minister Siobhan Coady rose on schedule to present a budget that focuses largely on health-care spending, housing and social programs, but the governing Liberals could hear only their own applause.
That's because the Progressive Conservatives, the NDP and Independent MHAs stayed out of the House of Assembly to protest government's handling of a fisheries dispute that has had hundreds of protesters on the steps of Confederation Building.
The protest was met by dozens of Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers in riot gear, with tensions high throughout the morning.
"The premier has let the situation get out of control," said NDP Leader Jim Dinn in a press release. "If the premier had shown the same determination in resolving this issue even a year ago, as he has demonstrated in pushing his own agenda, we wouldn't need police in riot gear."
A spokesperson for the government sent a memo to reporters at 8 a.m., saying the budget would be going ahead. The usual "lock-in" for reporters — in which journalists can read budget documents and ask questions of politicians and officials — was rearranged after four of the province's media outlets opted not to cross the protest line together under police watch. A shorter briefing is being held at another location, with the budget expected to be released at 2 p.m.
The government had already cancelled similar briefings for unions, community leaders and others due to safety concerns. Those decisions were not relayed to media outlets.
Earlier in the morning, police were seen having a cordial conversation with protest leaders, urging them to avoid a repeat of Wednesday's raucous events — particularly with a court-ordered injunction now in place that prohibits protesters from blocking safe access to Confederation Building, which is both home to the legislature and the main government complex.
Protest leader John Efford Jr. addressed the crowd a few minutes later.
"We're just going to make our presence known to the people that are going to work this morning. But we are going to be peaceful," he said over a megaphone. "Do not, do not get caught up in cat-calling. Do not get caught up in incitement. If anybody says anything to you today, say, 'Have a nice day.'"
Protesters demanding changes in fishing industry
The group of mostly fish harvesters has been protesting since early March on a number of conditions. For one, they want to be allowed to sell their catch to buyers outside the province. As it stands, they can sell only to buyers within the province at a price negotiated by the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union and the Association of Seafood Producers.
They also want processing limits lifted on independent fish plants to allow them to compete with the few companies that largely control processing in the province.
"Basically our message is free enterprise," Efford told CBC News on Thursday morning, adding the current system is "against what Canada believes in."
While the provincial government has committed to acting on both demands for the crab fishery — a lucrative but time-limited season that opens in the spring — the protesters say they want the concessions for all species.
Efford said they feel the discussions have put all options on the table, but with crab season fast approaching, he wants to see concrete solutions.
"All they're giving us is a general [message] that they will look at it," Efford said. "But we need specifics. This won't work without specific detail as to what they are going to do."
The Association of Seafood Producers, which has been mostly quiet throughout the protests, cancelled a news conference planned for Thursday morning with an hour's notice. No reason was given, but the group said it would provide a press release later in the day.
The police are now tasked with enforcing an injunction that a Supreme Court of Newfoundland justice handed down during Wednesday's chaos and commotion.
The injunction prevents anyone from blocking access to the building or interfering with public servants.
Things got ugly Wednesday morning when government workers tried to enter the building and were turned back by a throng of protesters. Demonstrators clashed with police officers and horses, with one protester and one officer being sent to hospital to be treated for injuries. The RNC said it will be pursuing charges against protesters who struck police horses during the melee.
Police served the injunction to two people deemed the protest organizers, Efford and Jason Spingle, Thursday morning. They did not appear at a hearing at Supreme Court to contest it, meaning the order remains in place, unchanged.
Another hearing to extend the order, if needed, has been set for April 15.
Will a budget be introduced?
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey was adamant Wednesday that the budget will be introduced, saying it's just a matter of when.
Furey said he was disappointed by the actions of "some" protesters but his government won't be stopped from proceeding with important business for the citizens of the province.
"There will be a budget for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, full stop. That is the intent," he said. "When it is safe to do so, people can enter the building, and we will do it."
Police donned riot gear on Thursday morning, a step up from their response the previous day. As of 6:30 a.m., about two dozen officers were guarding the rear entrance of the building, which is most commonly used by government officials to access their offices.
CBC News will be following the story throughout the day and will provide regular updates.
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With files from The Current
