I have no issue with fishermen or any seasonal worker, but what I take issue with is people who think that they are entitled to a year's pay even though they don't put in a year's work, because their profession doesn't allow it.
If you catch fish/lobster and you can only do that a few months per year, that's no different than me saying I'm a professional snow shoveler and I expect EI from April-November.
Find something else to do in the off season. If you farm in the summer, do snow removal in the off season.
I've lived in NB for several years and also witnessed the entitlement to EI, based on several generations of expectations. I share Gaidheal's astonishment when people attack the government for daring to suggest that EI isn't automatic, and the onus is on the person to keep trying.
"What do you mean work the rest of the year? My job is seasonal?" Wow.