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NLIS 9
June 3, 2005
(Executive Council)
Provincial government
committed to assisting Harbour Breton in a meaningful way
Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland
and Labrador, today reiterated the provincial government�s strong
commitment to the people and future of Harbour Breton.
"Our government has been in constant communication with the federal
government on this issue," said Premier Williams. "Discussions have
occurred at the highest levels, and I have written federal Human
Resources Minister Belinda Stronach and impressed upon her that a
solution is urgently needed. My ministers and I have also been in
constant contact with MP Bill Matthews, and I know that he
understands the urgency of the situation faced by this community."
On November 19, 2004, Fisheries Products International (FPI)
announced that, owing to structural and safety problems with the
building, the company would not be resuming operations at the
Harbour Breton fish plant. Since that time, the provincial
government has been working with the community, the federal
government and FPI to alleviate the financial hardship resulting
from the closure of Harbour Breton�s main industry and to identify
opportunities to restore the community�s economic viability. The
premier added that government has been pushing FPI to ensure they
take proper steps to assist the community.
"The federal government must act within the next week if they are to
fulfill their responsibility to the people of Harbour Breton," said
the Premier. "Regardless of whether or not the federal government
comes forward to participate in a solution for this community, we,
as the provincial government, will move forward. We will step up and
live up to our commitment to provide assistance to the people of
Harbour Breton. Two or three months down the road will be too late.
Action is needed now, and our government is prepared to act."
Premier Williams met this morning with Harbour Breton community
representative Father Ed Brophy and assured him that the provincial
government is exploring all possible options to assist the community
in getting back on its feet.
Premier Williams hopes to visit Harbour Breton next weekend to meet
with dispossessed workers and community leaders and to discuss
options for the future of the town.
Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709)
729-3960, 690-5500,elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
2005 06 03
3:25 p.m. |
