Sterling Belliveau becomes Nova Scotia's fisheries minister

By KATHY JOHNSON

Shelburne County, N.S. NDP MLA Sterling Belliveau is Nova Scotia's newest minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Belliveau was sworn in as minister of this portfolio, and also Minister of Environment, by Premier Darrell Dexter on Friday, June 19.

With a fishing background both on the water and in the boardroom, along with three years in the legislature as fisheries critic, Belliveau said he “feels very capable with the fisheries portfolio. Basically it’s a lifetime dream,” he said in an interview following the swearing in ceremony.

Belliveau said the next few weeks will be “whirlwind” as he gets familiarized with his roles and responsibilities. “I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Belliveau. “There’s a multitude of issues in the fishery that need addressed. The industry wants transparency and clarity on what’s coming down from Ottawa. I definitely want to set up a good line of communication with the federal fisheries minister and work through some of these issues.”

Belliveau also said he wants to involve the provincial fisheries critics from the other two political parties once they are appointed in the problem solving process. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Belliveau