The following is being distributed at the request of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act Review:

New deadline for Consultant�s Report: Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act Review

On March 11, 2003, government appointed David W. Jones, Q.C. as consultant to review the effectiveness of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act and to make recommendations regarding long-term stability in the fishing industry, including the Final Offer Selection collective bargaining model currently being used to settle prices and other matters. At that time, Mr. Jones was requested to file his report with government on June 20, 2003.

Today, Mr. Jones announced that government has approved an extension to the original time frame for his deliberations. "Developments in the industry over the last couple of months have precluded the meaningful involvement of several key stakeholders in my review," Mr. Jones said. "These developments underscore the critical nature of this review, and the extended time frame is required to assure government that all viewpoints are fully represented and options fully explored." Mr. Jones� report will now be filed with government on July 18, 2003.

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-1741

2003 06 25                                      2:50 p.m.