Nova Scotia's Indigenous Lobster Crisis

Tensions are running high in Nova Scotia as a conflict between commercial lobster fishers and Indigenous communities. When will the violence end?

Parliament held an emergency debate earlier this week following the vandalism and destruction of Indigenous fishing boat, van and traps. At issue is the Mi’kmaq ability to start their own lobster fishery. Under the 1999 Supreme Court ruling, Mi’kmaq bands have the right to fish for a moderate livelihood.

While the Supreme Court ruled the treaty gave Indigenous people the right to a moderate living, it left out the definition of moderate living which is the crux of the dispute.