Liberal MP criticizes treatment of Indigenous Atlantic fishermen by DFO officers

A Nova Scotia MP is calling for an independent investigation into systemic racism within Fisheries and Oceans Canada over fisheries officers’ treatment of two young Mi’kmaq men who were arrested for fishing baby eels more than two weeks ago.Blaise Sylliboy of Eskasoni First Nation and Kevin Hartling of Membertou First Nation were arrested in Shelburne County for fishing for elvers while the season was closed on March 26. Both men said they have a treaty right to fish for the baby eels. They say fisheries officers dropped them off at a gas station late at night without footwear or cellphones. The men, both in their 20s, told The Globe they spent hours walking overnight, worried that if they stopped, they would freeze to death.Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier closed the elver fishery last year, and declined to reopen it this year, citing concerns about the poaching of the tiny eels, which she said is jeopardizing the conservation of the American eel species.