Head of seafood processors' association says he faced death threats over crab dispute

Jeff Loder is the executive director of the Association of Seafood Producers. He told CBC-Radio Canada he and his family faced threats against their safety during March's snow crab dispute. (Mark Quinn/CBC)

The head of the Association of Seafood Producers says he and his family faced death threats in recent weeks during the conflict over snow crab.

"There has been threats against me for the last 30 days, and I have been in regular contact with the [Royal Newfoundland Constabulary]," ASP executive director Jeff Loder told Radio-Canada Tuesday.

"They were directed toward my personal safety, directed towards my credibility, directed towards our members, directed towards our office. And it was really, really inappropriate. I understand this is an emotional time, I understand that this is about people's livelihoods. This is a serious issue…. However, making threats is entirely unacceptable."

Tensions were high leading up to the start of snow crab season, highlighted by a multi-day protest organized by harvesters that closed the provincial legislature and delayed the delivery of Newfoundland and Labrador's 2024-25 budget.

Harvesters, government employees and police collided, which resulted in reported injuries and the province securing a court injunction to provide safe access to Confederation Building.

Loder was at the centre of the issue representing processors. He said some threats were defamatory, like ones that called him corrupt — but added others went further.

"'I'd like to find Mr. Loder in a dark alley and take care of him'. Things like that," he said.

A police officer on horseback attempts to disperse a crowd outside Confederation Building in St. John's late last month. (Ted Dillon/CBC)

Loder said he hasn't received threats since an agreement was reached last weekend to settle the price of snow crab and begin the season.

He added the threats didn't intimidate him or affect the ASP's decision making, but called it a "really, really embarrassing moment for the province."

Story continues

"How would it feel if those threats were being made to you on a daily basis and your family?" he asked.

"We all have families, we all have friends, we all live in this province. And what I'm concerned about is not me, I could care less. However, other people see it. And is that the lesson that we are going to teach the next generation of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians? And that is what has particularly upset me. It's completely ridiculous."

Radio-Canada contacted the RNC for comment, who refused to say whether police have received complaints from Loder.

Loder also said Fish, Food and Allied Workers union president Greg Pretty also received threats during the dispute. Radio-Canada asked the FFAW for comment on Tuesday, and CBC News sent a request for comment on Wednesday.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.