Minister announces details of Public Consultations on FPI Act

Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, along with the All-Party Committee today released the report on the public consultations on the FPI Act. The consultations were held from January 28 to February 11, 2002, in nine communities around the province.

"As a result of recent actions taken by the FPI Board of Directors, government commenced an all-party committee to travel around the province and receive input from stakeholders and the general public, on the FPI Act," said Reid. "Early in 2002, FPI proposed a groundfish restructuring plan to the union, which would have resulted in 584 lay-offs at three plants. The union, employees and the government found this unacceptable, especially as this plan was at a such variance with previous public commitments made by the FPI Board of Directors."

In an effort to determine the public�s opinion on what, if any, changes should be made to the FPI Act to ensure protection of the public interest, the All-Party Committee was formed with a mandate to conduct public consultations and report back to government with recommendations on the FPI Act, including any possible amendments.

"We had several meetings across the province, where we heard from a range of stakeholders on this issue which is of such great significance to rural communities," added Reid. "The oral and written presentations we received, were rational and sometimes emotional, as people defended the work ethic of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and described the value of the fishery to our province. There were some very strong and consistent messages about FPI and the legislation which governs that company. The committee listened closely and gave careful consideration to each and every viewpoint, and the report we are releasing today is reflective of what we heard."

The report outlines the public consultation process. The report also makes five recommendations to the government, for amendments to the FPI Act. These recommendations include amendments pertaining to the following issues: the 15 per cent share restriction; the protection of FPI quotas, for the benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians; the location of FPI�s head offices; the inclusion of a privative clause; and, a preamble.

"I am pleased that the committee was able to reach on consensus on this issue which is of vital importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, especially those in our rural communities whose livelihoods depend upon the fishery," said Reid. "The report was presented to Premier Grimes and brought to Cabinet this morning. Government has agreed to accept all of the committee�s recommendations, and as such we will begin drafting the amendments to the legislation immediately."

Minister Reid was joined on the Committee by Mary Hodder, MHA - Burin-Placentia West, Yvonne Jones, MHA - Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair, Eddie Joyce, MHA - Bay of Islands, Trevor Taylor, MHA - The Straits-White Bay North, Roger Fitzgerald, MHA - Bonavista South and Jack Harris, MHA - Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi.

This report is available either on the government Web site at: www.gov.nl.ca/fpiactconsultations/finalreport.htm or by calling the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at (709) 729-3733.

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

2002 02 28                          1:05 p.m.