N環球 
France's planned exploratory snow crab fishery sparks heated Commons clash between N.L. Conservatives and fisheries minister
France has signalled it intends to launch an exploratory snow crab fishery on the extension of Canada's continental shelf, triggering a heated exchange in the House of Commons. Ottawa says it does not support the move.
Why it matters
Snow crab is a pillar of Newfoundland and Labrador's economy. A French exploratory fishery on the extension of Canada's continental shelf could challenge Canada's authority over the area's fisheries, raising both sovereignty and economic concerns.
Full report
France recently signalled its intention to launch an exploratory snow crab fishery on the extension of Canada's continental shelf. Note: France has not issued any exploratory licence to fishermen in St-Pierre-Miquelon — this remains a stated intention, not an action.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Wakeham said in a Sept. 29 statement that he had spoken with federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson about the province's fishery. Thompson assured him Canada does not support the French move, and that Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working closely with Global Affairs Canada on next steps.
On Thursday (Oct. 8), Newfoundland Conservative MPs clashed heatedly with the fisheries minister in the House of Commons over what they called the 'France crab grab,' demanding tougher countermeasures.
What next
The federal government has yet to announce concrete countermeasures. N-Globe will keep tracking the file.
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