NLIS 5
December 4, 2002
(Executive Council)

 

The following statement was issued today by Premier Roger Grimes. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I want to update this honourable house and the people of the province, on the meeting which was held in Ottawa on this past Monday evening regarding the state of cod stocks in the Gulf and the Northeast coast.

This was an unprecedented meeting, convened as a result of the unanimous resolution which we passed in this house two weeks ago, upon hearing reports from Ottawa concerning the future of the Newfoundland and Labrador cod fisheries.

Participating in the meeting with me were the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Newfoundland and Labrador�s representative in the federal cabinet, our Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Gerry Reid, federal MPs, Senators, the Leader of the Official Opposition, the Leader of the NDP, and other representatives from this house.

Not since Confederation has there been a joint meeting with federal and provincial representatives of all political backgrounds. I believe that our willingness to set aside partisan politics highlights the importance of this issue, and our desire to work together for the best interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. As a result of the reports from Ottawa, we have been given an opportunity to address significant issues before final decisions are made about the cod fisheries by the federal government.

The main consensus of our meeting was that we are not satisfied that a closure of cod fisheries in the province is necessary. Rather, we all agreed that an analysis and a comprehensive rebuilding plan is required, so that the key issues that are negatively impacting the fish stocks can be effectively dealt with.

This plan will outline positive measures to help us in addressing issues including seal overpopulation and predation, custodial management, and gear types.

As a first step we have agreed to establish an all-party committee, with representation from the provincial and federal levels to look into the specific issues, with a view to reporting back to the group as a whole prior to Christmas. This committee will be chaired by the provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

The group will continue with a united front, as we develop an action plan which represents the best interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and our fishery.

2002 12 04                                       4:10 p.m.


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