$1.25 million immediately available for Harbour Breton from province

Premier Danny Williams reaffirmed today that the $1.25 million the provincial government committed to the people of Harbour Breton is immediately available to the community.

"This government has made a commitment to the people of Harbour Breton for $250,000 for a business plan and $1 million for income support," said Premier Williams. "We made this commitment to the people from day one, and today we are reaffirming that this money is available to the community. We know time is of the essence, which is why we are providing our $1.25 million immediately."

The income support funding would allow the employees affected to remain in their community while employed on short-term initiatives, with a goal of leading to longer term employment. The province has been diligent in working to assist the community since Fishery Products International (FPI) announced the closure of the plant earlier this year.

"Under the leadership of Minister Kathy Dunderdale, our ministerial committee has been working closely with the people of Harbour Breton to identify solutions for the long and short-term. The $1.25 million funding will assist people in the short term, and a business plan will enable the community to devise a long-term approach to rebuilding that community. The provincial government is committed to working side-by-side with the people of Harbour Breton every step of the way."

The premier said that Minister Jack Byrne, Municipal and Provincial Affairs, has already approved funding of approximately $70,000 to immediately respond to the needs of 12 individuals whose Employment Insurance ran out in June. "We have taken that funding from the announced and funded Community Enhancement Program with the expectation that the program can be reimbursed with the $1.25 million we are announcing today. The province�s funding approval allows for the extension and expansion of already approved federal projects. Our government will continue to work with federal agencies, the community, the IAS committee, unions and all stakeholders, to develop project ideas to try to ensure a continuous flow of projects and meaningful employment. In fact, a delegation of provincial officials were in Harbour Breton earlier this week and met with stakeholders to identify economic development and diversification ideas which can be fleshed out into projects for consideration under various funding programs."

The premier added that the province would be vigilant in ensuring FPI commitments under the Income Trust agreement would be met in a timely and thorough manner.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca


2005 06 30                            2:55 p.m.