The following statement was issued today by Yvonne Jones, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Meetings with federal government on cod closures

As Minister responsible for Fisheries and Aquaculture, I want to provide the House with an overview of discussions with the federal government yesterday concerning the closure of the 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS cod fisheries and its impact on the economy of this province.

I met with the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Robert Thibault, to discuss the closure of the cod fishery and to outline adjustment measures required to meet the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians affected by this decision.

I emphasized that we want to see the cod fishery reopened. We do not agree with the decision to close the fishery and we are asking for more analysis, particularly on the gulf cod stock.

I proposed that the federal minister review the commercial log books of the fishers that were omitted from the recent scientific analysis of the gulf cod stock. In addition, we want DFO to complete an early review of the sentinel fishery results for this year and we want this review completed by the end of June. This will ensure due consideration to information from our fishers who feel the stocks are healthier than science has indicated.

I also discussed with Minister Thibault the requirement to reduce capacity in the industry and the importance of ensuring that adequate early retirement and voluntary buy back of licence options be included. The minister has indicated that he will look at these components.

I have also opened dialogue with Gerry Byrne, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on economic development initiatives. The province has requested the federal government immediately address the short-term needs of individuals and identify long-term economic programs to assist in the survival of our rural communities.

Discussions with both ministers included the Shrimp Management Plan, particularly in light of the affects of the closure of the cod fishery and crab quota reductions on harvesters and processors.

We are also very aware of the immediate impact of ice conditions, and the closure of the cod fishery on harvesters and processors. Employment insurance benefits need to be extended and we have requested that both Minister Thibault and Minister Byrne deal with this issue quickly. An employment insurance bridging program is needed to support these individuals, some of whom have been without income since April.

The impacts of the closure of the cod fishery are immediate and we need this decision reversed. Ottawa has mismanaged the fishery for over 50 years and the people of this province are now feeling the brunt of this mismanagement. I am hopeful the discussions held yesterday will lead to successful resolutions to these issues.

2003 05 13                                        2:30 p.m.