Governments reach agreement

Premier Roger Grimes says progress was made today in advancing key fisheries files during a meeting with federal cabinet ministers in Ottawa.

Premier Grimes, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Yvonne Jones, and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush met with Federal Fisheries Minister, Robert Thibault, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister St�phane Dion, and ACOA Minister Gerry Byrne. The meeting focused on fisheries conservation, management and adjustment measures.

The Premier said that as a result of the meeting, the federal and provincial deputy ministers of fisheries have been tasked to work together to develop a collaborative cod stock recovery plan. The deputy ministers and other senior officials will meet in St. John�s on Monday, August 18.

"We also had a good initial discussion of fisheries management issues," the Premier said. "We agreed that cod stock recovery is the essential first step and cornerstone of fisheries management. The door has been kept open for future discussions on management issues."

Premier Grimes stated: "While today�s meeting focused on fisheries conservation, management, and adjustment measures, the successful results demonstrate that the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada can work together and make progress on key issues that are important to the people of the province."

On the issue of long-term economic adjustment measures, Premier Grimes said senior ACOA officials and senior provincial officials have been tasked, on a priority basis, to prepare a joint proposal to the federal and provincial ministers dealing with realistic, practical, and viable opportunities for long-term strategic economic adjustment in areas affected by the recent cod closure. This collaborative initiative will include the identification of opportunities in specific areas, estimates of costs, partners, and time frames.

"Although today�s meeting was quite focused on some fisheries issues, I believe that our discussions have laid the groundwork for a rejuvenated and strengthened relationship between our two governments on other important issues. This renewed approach is consistent with the spirit of the Royal Commission on Renewing and Strengthening Our Place in Canada," the Premier said. "The successful results of today�s meeting demonstrate that both levels of government can work together and make progress on key issues that are important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Premier also noted that he and Minister Dion briefly discussed the Royal Commission Report, which is still being reviewed, and there is agreement that the report provides a useful contribution to Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador relations. There is scope for further discussion between both levels of government on issues raised in the report.

The Premier said: "Today�s meeting and the specific outcome demonstrates vision, leadership, and goodwill. I thank my federal colleagues for their efforts and I am confident of a productive, positive relationship between our governments in the future."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Office of the Premier (709) 729-3960; 687-0302

2003 08 12                                     5:25 p.m.