More RCMP officers deployed in Nova Scotia to keep peace in lobster fishery: Blair

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says more RCMP officers have been deployed to respond to the escalating treaty dispute between commercial fishers and Mi'kmaq fishers in southwest Nova Scotia.

Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan, meanwhile, says negotiations to end the dispute are ongoing.

But she did not provide details on what is being discussed.

The RCMP is investigating several assaults that targeted Indigenous people and properties including an attack on Chief Michael Sack.

The accused was arrested and released from custody with conditions to have no further contact with the chief.

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says the acts of violence that targeted Mi'kmaq fishers in the past days and weeks are disgusting, unacceptable and racist, and that Indigenous people have been let down by the police who are sworn to protect them.

Blair says there is a need for significant reform to how police work in Indigenous communities.