Pictou Nova Scotia: On Saturday June 15, members of the Northumberland Fishing Association will be trading in their fishing gear for kitchen aprons to serve up 1000 free lobster suppers to No Pipe supporters and invited guests.
“We’ve been fighting to keep Northern Pulp’s pipe out of the Strait for 19 months now,” says Ronnie Heighton, President of the Northumberland Fishermen’s Association. “And we haven’t been doing it alone.”
Heighton is referring to thousands of citizens who have supported the fishermen and Pictou Landing First Nation in their goal to stop Northern Pulp from dumping upwards of 90 million litres of treated pulp effluent daily into prime fishing grounds of the Northumberland Strait. “Hundreds of community members have decorated their lawns with signs of support. Last summer, over 3500 citizens joined our No Pipe Land & Sea Rally. And to date, over 6000 letters supporting a federal environmental assessment of the project have been submitted.”
Heighton also points out that hundreds of citizens and organizations took the time to read and respond to Northern Pulp’s environmental assessment proposal to Nova Scotia Environment. “Scientists, environmental organizations, community groups, tourism operators and citizens with local knowledge all contributed valuable input that helped inform the Environment Minister’s decision,” says Heighton. “The least we can do is give a thank you in the way we know how.”.
Heighton said that No Pipe guests can expect a traditional lobster supper with all the fixings. “Our fishing season will still be in full swing, so guests will be treated to fresh lobster from the Northumberland Strait. Fishermen and buyers are generously donating the lobster and our Association will cover the costs of homemade potato salad, fresh rolls, coleslaw and dessert.”
For children and those who don’t like the cooked crustaceans, barbecued hotdogs will be available.
The date of the fishermen’s lobster supper also marks 230 days to the closure of Boat Harbour. “Holding the event in the Pictou Landing First Nation community was important to us. It provides us another opportunity to show our support for the closure of Boat Harbour on schedule and our united position of no pipe in the Northumberland Strait,” says Heighton.
What: #NO PIPE Lobster Supper
When: Saturday June 15, 4pm-6pm
Where: 43 Maple Street, Pictou Landing First Nation, gymnasium
Who & What:
- Northumberland Fishermen serving up 1000 traditional lobster suppers for No Pipe supporters
- All No Pipe supporters welcome, eat-in and take-out available, first come first serve
- Remarks from Northumberland Fishermen’s Association and Pictou Landing First Nation
- Traditional entertainment by Pictou Landing First Nation
- Donations welcome to support a playground for Pictou Landing First Nation’s new school playground
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Source : Media Release