April 13, 1999
(Executive Council)

Former Tourism Minister comments on Cabot 500 court proceedings

Roger Grimes, former Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, commented today on the court proceedings surrounding the dismissal of employees of the Cabot 500 Corporation in 1995.

"The former employees of the corporation were given notice or pay in lieu of notice, as set out in their contracts," said the minister. "During the course of the court proceedings, government will provide evidence in support of our position."

The minister noted that the dismissals occurred when the province realized it did not have the financial resources necessary to support the Cabot 500 celebrations as planned by the corporation at the time.

"Given the province's fiscal situation at that time the government had no choice but to restructure the Cabot 500 Corporation and reduce the celebration budget to an affordable level," said the minister. "When the new structure was in place, rehiring occurred in the context of the new budgetary realities."

Government expects to present its arguments in the case when court proceedings continue in mid-September.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Communications, (709) 729-4890.

1999 04 13                            7:10 a.m.