Government insists on strict enforcement of adjacency 
employment provision for Voisey�s Bay project

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel has reminded Voisey�s Bay Nickle Company Limited the adjacency employment provision must be strictly enforced.

"Some 250 people were employed last year at the Voisey�s Bay site," said Minister Noel. "Over 90 per cent were Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with the majority being residents of Labrador.

"The company says 10 per cent non-residents were employed because of the rush to have work done before winter, and because some were core members of companies doing work. While government understands there were complicating factors, we believe qualified Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were available to do some of this work.

"I have advised the company we expect the adjacency principle to be strictly enforced. Those covered by it must be employed before those from outside the province. The company has reassured us that will happen."

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777.

2003 04 11                                        9:25 a.m.