Film Lens
Fish or Cut Bait focuses on the history and struggles of inshore fishermen in Atlantic Canada during the 1970s. Filmmakers Tom Burger, Bill McKiggan, and Chuck Lapp document the efforts of these fishermen to form a union, which was illegal in Nova Scotia until 1979. The film captures the commitment of the fishermen and the filmmakers, who continued to work on the project despite losing funding from the National Film Board.
The film faced significant challenges, including the CBC's refusal to broadcast it. Despite these obstacles, it was eventually released in 1990 and aired nationally on Vision TV. The documentary serves as a testament to the activism and perseverance of the fishing community in their pursuit of labor rights.
Why Watch
- •See how fishermen fought for union rights in Nova Scotia.
- •Meet the filmmakers who persisted despite losing funding.
- •Find out why the CBC refused to air the documentary.
Did You Know
•It was illegal for fishermen to form a union in Nova Scotia until 1979.
•Filmmakers worked on the film at night after losing National Film Board funding.
•The film was finally released in 1990 after being rejected by the CBC.
Perfect For
Labor rights activismCanadian historyFishing industry insights