Bishop Bruce Stavert of Quebec, in a letter published in the diocesan newspaper, said the communities of the lower north shore (from about Chicoutimi to Sept-Iles along the St. Lawrence River), which include ten Anglican congregations, are facing "very serious difficulties." The collapse of the cod and crab fishery, a reduction in airline service and a lack of attention from provincial election candidates, following a particularly hard winter, are bringing communities to a crisis, he said. "Something like 400 fishermen and way over 100 plant workers are likely to lose their livelihood in the next weeks in just three communities," wrote Bishop Stavert.