Collins, Norval "The Impact of Government Regulation on Fishers in Two Nova Scotia Fishing Communities that differ markedly in prosperity"

Fishers are highly regulated by government. This study evaluates the impact of government programs on fishers in two rural fishing communities in Nova Scotia that differ markedly in the average income earned by fishers. The relative prosperity of the two communities is reviewed using spending patterns, income and housing.

Spending patterns are generally similar in both communities. The differences in income between the two communities of fishers is not reflected in a difference in accessibility to housing although there is a higher incidence of inadequate and overcrowded homes in the poor community. RRAP significantly alters the incidence of inadequate homes within a narrow range of household incomes. A significant proportion of households reside at a standard below that considered acceptable under the "core housing needs" concept in both communities. Unemployment and fisheries regulations have opposite effects on income in the two communities. Unemployment insurance benefits make a relatively Large contribution to income in both communities but form higher percentage and more important component of income in the poorer community. The difference in fisheries Licensing regulations allows the fishery in the "poor" community to act as a refuge for individuals in need, but experience and dedication to the fishery are needed before an acceptable level of income can be obtained.

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This document was last modified on January 31, 2001.