Minister announces decision on transfer of crab licence to St. Anthony

Following the public advertisement of a request for transfer, and weeks of consultation with industry stakeholders, Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has decided that he will not transfer the inactive crab processing license from Ramea to St. Anthony.

"In light of the overwhelming opposition by crab plant workers and other stakeholders, which confirms my own department�s assessment of capacity and employment within this sector, I have decided to not transfer the crab processing license from Ramea to St. Anthony," said Reid. "This was a tremendously difficult decision, as I have a great deal of empathy for the people of St. Anthony and their desire for more work. To transfer the license, however, would have negatively impacted the current workforce in the crab processing sector, which is already struggling to maintain reasonable periods of employment."

In July 2002, St. Anthony Seafoods Partnership Limited made a formal request to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the transfer of the crab processing license from Ramea to St. Anthony. Under departmental policy, such a request is required to be advertised, so as to receive public input from stakeholders. Government received extensive representation from organizations, plant workers, towns and individuals, who expressed strong opposition to the transfer. The department also received modest support for the transfer.

"Obviously, the people of St. Anthony will be very disappointed with this decision; however, in this situation, I had to consider the larger picture," added Reid. "There is currently sufficient capacity in the crab processing sector, in fact most would say there is an over capacity. To add capacity at this time would be unwarranted and irresponsible, and this message was heard loud and clear throughout the consultation process."

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

2002 09 03                                     2:35 p.m.