Additional funding announced for quality assurance initiatives

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford said today that an additional $250,000 allocated in the 2000-2001 budget for the department�s Quality Assurance Program will allow the department to build on the successes achieved to date in its aggressive quality initiatives. These initiatives were publicly acknowledged by industry at the department�s fisheries sector forum held in Gander in November 1999 in conjunction with government�s Jobs and Growth Forum.

"We have made great strides in the area of quality assurance in cooperation with industry, and our reputation is improving continuously for producing high quality products for the global marketplace. Quality must be a key focus in our ongoing efforts to create a more stable and viable fishery and to further strengthen our position in the marketplace," said Mr. Efford. "Harvesting and producing superior quality products is playing an integral role in the growth of the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery, which had a $1 billion export value in 1999."

Mr. Efford also announced that an additional $150,000 has been allocated for community-based fisheries infrastructure. "With increased activity in the fishing industry it is imperative that fisheries infrastructure be repaired and maintained. My department is committed to helping improve current infrastructure which is essential in the diversification of our fishing industry."

During the 2000-2001 fiscal year, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will also invest $1.2 million in fisheries initiatives through the Canada/Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative that will help rural communities move forward in diversification opportunities.

Media contact: Sonia Glover-Sullivan, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

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