After major investments in 2022, Diane Lebouthillier works to bring the community’s files to life

Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine, was reviewing the first year of her third mandate on Tuesday, highlighting $106 million in investments announced for the region, including $40 million for the port of Cap-aux-Meules.

In the case of the slipway, she maintains that everything is progressing with officials, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to settle the dispute with Quebec during his visit to the Islands in the wake of Hurricane Fiona.

Ms. Lebouthillier will be in the Islands at the end of the week to meet with the parties involved.

The issues surrounding the protection of biodiversity and its effects on the various fisheries are of concern to the MP, who recognizes that some disruption is inevitable due to the state of the stocks.

However, she stressed that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans must work in consultation with fishers and keep them informed in order to avoid announcing restrictive measures at the very last minute.

Employment insurance reform, for which a first bill is expected to be tabled by the end of the year, is also among the priorities identified by Lebouthillier.

According to her, the legislation must include solutions adapted to the seasonal reality of the tourism and fishing industries, while reflecting the labour shortage context that characterizes the job market.