NLIS 3
August 22, 2001
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
 

Minister responds to official opposition's proposal to the Competition Bureau regarding collusion in the fishing industry

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, reacted today to allegations by Danny Williams and the official opposition, of collusion within the province's fishing industry.

"These allegations are a matter of serious concern to me as a minister and to this government, as it is our responsibility to monitor activity in all sectors of the fishery," said Mr. Reid. "These allegations are very serious both for the industry and for the companies against which the charges have been levelled. If in fact, there is evidence out there to support the allegations, then the complaints should be made available to myself and the department and we will fully support and assist the Competition Bureau in anyway that we can."

Mr. Reid went on to say that nobody has given government any direct evidence against any of the province's processors. "I have not been privy to substantive evidence against any individual processor, and therefore I cannot act recklessly and irresponsibly in accusing individuals within the industry," added Mr. Reid. "However, if Mr. Williams is privy to evidence which supports his allegations, I would like to hear from him directly, so that we can address the issue in a manner which is best for the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Mr. Reid also questioned whether Mr. Williams is suggesting that the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) and the Fisheries Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (FANL), are also acting in collusion and therefore are not acting responsibly towards their members. "Given that FANL and the FFAW determine market prices through the final offer selection negotiation process, is Mr. Williams saying that the FFAW and FANL have also acted in collusion? It should also be noted that these two representative organizations agreed to close the shrimp fishery at the beginning of July. Were they then acting in collusion?"

"I am hopeful that this situation will not negatively impact the atmosphere of the upcoming negotiations and the ability to reach an acceptable price, whereby the shrimp fishery can reopen. Our immediate concern is that FANL and the FFAW reach a price acceptable to both processors and harvesters, so that we can reopen the shrimp fishery as soon as possible."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-3733 or (709) 727-3438

2001 08 22                                                    5:20 p.m.