Minister Noel says offshore employment rights will be enforced

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel says offshore employment rights with Hibernia for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be enforced. He was commenting on a letter from the Mayor of St. John�s, Andy Wells, regarding the possibility that certain offshore oil, service and supply companies are denying Newfoundlanders and Labradorians training and employment opportunities within their respective organizations. The mayor tabled the letter at Monday night�s St. John�s city council meeting.

"I received Mayor Wells letter yesterday. Such allegations surface periodically and our department promptly and thoroughly investigates all allegations which are raised. We will respond in a similar fashion with this complaint. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have to be the principal beneficiaries of our petroleum resources. We will ensure that we receive all opportunities to which we are entitled.

"I have instructed my officials to initiate an investigation into these alleged activities. We will contact the referenced companies and determine whether they have been living up to the commitments contained within their agreements and the Atlantic Accord. I have been trying to contact the mayor to discuss this issue further, and would encourage the individual referenced in Mayor Wells� letter to contact me to provide further details. This is a serious matter. I want to ensure that all parties participate in determining whether there is any basis to the allegations."

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

2003 09 18                                         8:45 a.m.