Anger over the closing of cod fisheries has prompted Newfoundland and Labrador to call for the renegotiation of the terms of its union with Canada. Newfoundland is seeking joint control over its fisheries, which currently fall under federal jurisdiction.

On Thursday, Premier Roger Grimes introduced legislation calling for a formal amendment to the Terms of the Union, the document that formally declared Newfoundland and Labrador a province of Canada in 1949. The document handed management of the cod fishery to Ottawa.

"Again, we have a made-in-Ottawa decision thrust upon us without regard and respect for the consensus of the people of this province," Grimes said in St. John's.

"Federal management of the seacoast fisheries since 1949 has failed to adequately protect or develop the principal fisheries. Failed federal fisheries management has led to the complete collapse of the northern cod fishery and other groundfish stocks.

"This situation can no longer be allowed to stand. Time is running out to save our fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador," he added.

Federal officials quickly played down the idea, saying such a move would accomplish nothing.

"No amendment would bring back the fish or do anything for the communities,'' Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said in the House of Commons.

"What is important is to work as good partners to help the communities facing this difficult event.''

Ottawa closed the fisheries last month to allow plunging cod stocks to be replenished. The moratorium on cod fishing came in spite of recommendations by a federal advisory panel that a small fishery be allowed.

Fisheries Minister Robert Thibault defended his ministry's current system of management.

"The federal government has always been in charge of the fishery,'' he said. "We have that jurisdiction (but) we do consultation with the provinces. We do consultation with the industry and it's a good system.''

Statements by Grimes that his government would not assist Ottawa in prosecuting any fisherman who break the fishing ban raised the ire of the prime minister earlier this week.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien called Grimes' pledge "completely unacceptable."

Some are chalking Grimes's stance up to politics, noting that his provincial Liberals are trailing in opinion polls ahead of an election that must be held within the next eight months.

Danny Williams, the leader of the Opposition Conservatives, who will face Grimes in an election before the end of the year, wondered about the timing of Grimes' announcement.

"It's a welcome initiative, but it should have been done some considerable time ago. Why now?'' Williams said outside the legislature. "Is this more politics?''

Senator George Baker, a former Liberal cabinet minister from Newfoundland who once headed the Commons fisheries committee, says he supports Grimes.

"Mr. Grimes is right on to pass the resolution with complete support in the Newfoundland House of Assembly. If the federal government doesn't listen to him, then he should take it to the Supreme Court of Canada.''

"There's a great resentment there. There's obviously the makings of separatist parties," Baker adds. "Don't laugh about it."