Minister, brokers meet in Gander

Finance Minister Lloyd Matthews joined independent brokers as they met in Gander today to discuss an agreement reached between brokers and transport carriers Friday evening.

Representatives of the brokers met with government Thursday and Friday to discuss a solution to end a protest which began Monday. This group invited fellow brokers to attend the meeting in Gander following the end of the protest Friday night.

At the meeting, the group selected four people who will form a steering committee to move forward with plans to develop an organization for independent brokers. The steering committee will meet with officials of the Department of Works, Services and Transportation Monday to discuss how the group will structure the organization. The brokers will use the organization as a means to promote their interests to government, industry and the public.

"The representatives I met with asked that government accompany them to a meeting with their colleagues to talk about what happened over the past couple of days," said Mr. Matthews. "I am glad to say that today�s group agreed to form an organization to represent their interests and am hopeful of what will follow."

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2000 02 26                                                             5:25 p.m.