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

I would like to inform my honourable colleagues of the status of our two-year fish price settlement pilot project. This pilot project was proposed by a task force established by government in 1997 to review the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act, following a number of labour disputes that occurred in the province's fishing industry.

This collective bargaining project, which expires on December 31, 1999, has been very successful, resulting in early fishery openings, orderly fisheries, consistency of supply to the markets and improved quality products.

In light of the December 31 expiry date, government contracted a private consultant, Mr. Howard Noseworthy, to evaluate the new fish price mechanism. His report was submitted to government on November 3, 1999 and it has now been forwarded to key stakeholders for review. Mr. Noseworthy's report outlines the positive effect this pilot mechanism to negotiate fish prices has had on the fishing industry. The improved labour relations from this pilot project has had a stabilizing effect on our fishery, which in turn strengthens employment opportunities in both the harvesting and processing sectors. Today, I will table copies of the consultant's report in the House of Assembly and copies of the consultant's report can be obtained by contacting the Labour Branch of my department.

I am pleased to report that all parties involved in this pilot project � provincial government, Fisheries Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union � have agreed to a six-month extension, which will give everyone sufficient time the fully review the consultant's findings and prepare amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act.

It's important to emphasize, that the success of this pilot project is the result of government-industry cooperation, which I believe is the key to moving forward in all aspects of our revitalized fishing industry.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, John Efford, and I would like to commend everyone involved in the pilot project and acknowledge the support of all stakeholders for this new model of collective bargaining. It will play a major role in our ongoing efforts to create a more stable and viable fishing industry for the long term.

1999 12 03             10:05 a.m.