The following statement was issued today by Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to inform my honourable colleagues in the House today, that government has engaged the services of Mr. Morgan Cooper to begin a consultation process between all interested stakeholders in developing a working relationship on offshore production platforms.

Mr. Cooper has a long and extensive experience as an arbitrator in the province, as well a strong academic and vocational background. He is well-qualified to take on this responsibility and I have included his curriculum vitae for Honourable Member's information.

The purpose of this process is to obtain the observations of stakeholders with a view to developing a world class labour relations framework for offshore production platforms.

We have asked Mr. Cooper to meet with labour, management and other interested parties to discuss their views and suggestions as to how workers and management can work together in partnership to build Newfoundland's reputation as a major player in the offshore oil industry.

We expect the results from these consultations, will provide government with the information it needs to develop a labour relations process that will ensure a safe, stable and productive workplace for offshore production platforms.

When this process has been completed, Mr. Cooper will then review all submissions and presentations and offer a recommendation to government as to the best means to advance employee/employer relations during the production phase of the offshore oil industry.

We hope and trust that all stakeholders will support our efforts in this regard. Because, a working partnership at the offshore platform workplace is absolutely critical if this province is to ultimately secure its position as a world class producer of oil and be competitive in the market.