Carney acknowledges protesting N.L. fish harvesters during 1st campaign stop

Liberal Leader Mark Carney kicked off his election campaign in St. John's on Sunday, promising tax cuts and also addressing the hundreds of protesting fish harvesters outside the city's convention centre.

Protesters continued to block the lobby, despite securing a meeting with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson and a promise to look at restructuring the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 

A heavy police and security presence remained at the centre on Sunday evening, as police guided Liberal attendees through alternative exits. 

The protesting harvesters are affiliated with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW). They are decrying major cuts to harvesting snow crab in the 3K area and broader management of the sector by Thompson, a local Liberal MP running for re-election in St. John's East.

The snow crab quota in the 3K division is losing almost a quarter of last year's total allowable catch at 7,643 tonnes, down from 9,998 tonnes in 2024.

During his speech, Carney acknowledged the protesting harvesters, and said he is there to listen. He said his government will take a closer look at the department of Fisheries and Oceans, with the goal of creating a sustainable fishery and potentially restructuring the department. 

"I understand the importance of making decisions closer to the wharf," said Carney. "We're all here for sustainable fishery and sustainable livelihoods, and we're going to make sure that happens."

WATCH | Mark Carney address the fish harvesters during his speech:

Carney acknowledges protesting fish harvesters at N.L. rally

2 days ago

Duration 1:11

Liberal Leader Mark Carney held his first federal election campaign rally in St. John's on Sunday evening as fish harvesters protested outside following the release of a reduced annual snow crab quota. Near the beginning of his speech, Carney acknowledged the protesters and said his government will take a closer look at the structure of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Carney went on to announce a re-elected Liberal government would introduce a middle-class tax cut, which the Liberal leader said will save most Canadian families up to $825 a year.

'Just like in hockey, we will win'

Carney also spoke to the threats of U.S. tariffs during his speech, saying voters want leadership that stands up for Canada. He called Trump's tariff and sovereignty threats the most serious crisis of our lifetime. 

"We didn't ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves."

To loud applause, he said, "In this trade war, just like in hockey, we will win."

While addressing threats to Canada's sovereignty, Carney also made reference to the late premier Joey Smallwood, and his decision to lead Newfoundland and Labrador to join Canada.

"He made it so much better, you made it so much better," he told the audience.

WATCH | People in St. John's at Carney's rally share their thoughts on the Liberal leader:

Hear what these people think of Mark Carney’s 1st campaign rally

2 days ago

Duration 2:42

As Mark Carney kicked off his election campaign, the CBC’s Julia Israel asked attendees at his rally what they think of the new Liberal leader.

Carney also spoke about supporting major infrastructure projects, including ones related to energy and critical minerals.

Carney made jabs at Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, calling his slogans and campaign ads negative and angry. 

"Negativity isn't going to win trade war... Negativity won't make Canada strong," he said. 

Fish harvesters still protesting

Ahead of the campaign event, around 100 harvesters crowded into the Convention Centre lobby.

WATCH | Fish harvesters attempted to enter the venue before the rally began:

Tensions run high ahead of Carney’s 1st campaign rally as protesting fish harvesters try to gain entry

2 days ago

Duration 5:53

A chaotic scene unfolded at the St. John’s Convention Centre ahead of Liberal leader Mark Carney’s first campaign rally. Fish harvesters protested the event, criticizing new cuts to crab quotas.

After Thompson agreed to meet with FFAW representatives, FFAW leadership told protesters to the leave the lobby and stay outside, which briefly diffused the situation.  

Fish harvesters continued to block the doors of the venue during Carney's speech, and FFAW representatives said they weren't happy following their meeting with Thompson.

Speaking earlier Sunday, FFAW President Dwan Street said she hoped that Thompson, a fellow Newfoundlander, would make decisions to benefit communities in her province.

"I have never in my life seen the shine come off a fisheries minister as fast as I have with Minister Thompson," Street said.

WATCH | Dwan Street and Richard Gillet describe why the FFAW is protesting:

Fish harvesters protest Liberal MP campaign H.Q. after cut crab quotas

2 days ago

Duration 2:43

Fish harvesters from the FFAW union gathered outside Liberal MP Joanne Thompson’s campaign headquarters as the federal election officially kicks off. FFAW president Dwan Street and harvester Richard Gillett talk about what they call major cuts to snow crab quotas in the 3K area.

FFAW In-shore president Jason Sullivan said the Liberals are killing rural Newfoundland. 

"No one gives a f - - - about Newfoundland," Sullivan told a crowd at a rally at a different location earlier on Sunday. "When you find carbon tax Carney this evening, you've got to show him you're not weak."

After the rally, Street told reporters that the FFAW is planning to meet with Thompson again on Monday.

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