HALIFAX — A backlash is growing against a multimillion-dollar federal bid to promote reconciliation and economic development among Indigenous groups in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs is calling for a review of the Feb. 21 decision, saying it can find no evidence that the company has any Indigenous partners in Nova Scotia. In St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Minister Gerry Byrne made a similar allegation about phantom First Nations. The fishing grounds for Arctic surf clams are located mainly off Nova Scotia and eastern Newfoundland. Clearwater, which must give up a quarter of the allowable catch, had submitted a proposal that included a partnership with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs.

Source: National Post March 02, 2018 18:47 UTC