Minister responds to comments made regarding Bull Arm Site

Judy Foote, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, responded today to claims made by Derm Cain, President of Operating Engineers' Union, Local 904, that government is dismantling the Bull Arm Site.

"Mr. Cain's statement that the bunkhouses, the mooring chains, equipment and so much more that are not being used for the Terra Nova Project, are being sold for next to nothing or have gone missing is false," said the minister. Ms. Foote said that the Bull Arm Site Corporation, based on advice from experts on construction/fabrication sites have been in the process of disposing of surplus assets. She said: "These assets were expected to deteriorate with time or not be used at all and their disposal will not impair the viability of the site. In fact, we were advised that if future operators tried to use and pay the costs of maintaining camp facilities, the Bull Arm Site would not be able to compete with construction/fabrication sites on a worldwide basis.

"All surplus assets have been sold for fair market value except in the case where they have been provided to worthy causes, such as the Canada Winter Games Committee in Corner Brook. To assist with the challenge of accommodating 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials, government agreed to provide surplus accomodation units from the Bull Arm Site. Many of the surplus assets were auctioned off by public auction in a non-discriminatory and non-preferential manner for the highest price attainable."

As for Mr. Cain's claim that "much of the work is now being done by out-of-province workers", Ms. Foote said that it is not true. She said: "I assume Mr. Cain is referring to five workers from Quebec who are on the vessel Foxtrot. This vessel, which came from Quebec, was chartered by the purchaser of the anchor chain for recovery of the chain. Five Newfoundlanders were hired on the vessel and all of the workers on shore were Newfoundlanders. Newfoundland companies with vessels were asked to bid on the project. I am told that The Foxtrot was chartered because it provided the most competitive price for the chain recovery operation."

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