Minister pleased with public consultations on the FPI Act

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today commented on the recent public consultations on the FPI Act, which were undertaken by an all-party committee.

"In the past 15 days, we have visited nine communities, where thousands of people came out to express their concerns about the FPI Act," said Reid. "In total, we received some 170 presentations on this issue which is so important to the fishery of Newfoundland and Labrador. I would like to thank all of the presenters, and all of those who braved the winter weather and drove long distances, to voice their opinion. The presentations were at times emotional, but they were also very genuine and thoughtful. I very much appreciated hearing what the people had to say."

The all-party committee was comprised of four Liberal Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs), two Progressive Conservative MHAs and one New Democratic MHA. The committee held public consultation sessions in Marystown, Bonavista, Twillingate, Harbour Breton, Plum Point, Port au Choix, Stephenville, Triton and Fortune.

The all-party committee was formed by the government, as a result of a proposed investment plan by Fishery Products International (FPI), which would have resulted in 585 lay-offs at the groundfish plants in Marystown, Harbour Breton and Fortune. The plan was at such a variance with the commitments made by the Board of Directors in the spring of 2001, that government felt it was necessary to determine if any changes were necessary to the FPI Act, so as to ensure the interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were protected.

"I felt that it was important to give affected communities and individuals, an opportunity to

voice their concerns and opinions on this issue which impacts significantly on life in rural Newfoundland and Labrador," added Reid. "The fishery continues to be the backbone of our economy, and FPI a flagship company for the industry. Any changes which we contemplate to the FPI Act, should be done in consultation with those most affected."

The committee met yesterday after the final meeting in Fortune, to discuss the parameters of the report. The committee will reconvene on Monday, February 18, to begin work on the final report for presentation to government.

"I would encourage any interested party to make a submission for the committee�s consideration, prior to Friday, February 15," said Reid. "We have already had more than 150 oral and written presentations, and we welcome any and all input from the public on this issue which is of such significance to the province."

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

2002 02 13                          3:20 p.m.