Government prepared to work for early retirement plan for fishery

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today said that government is prepared to work for an early retirement plan for workers in the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Rideout said, �Government recognizes that an early retirement plan for fish plant workers and fish harvesters is vital in the rationalization of the province�s fishing industry. An early retirement package will certainly enhance the economic well-being of fishery workers and contribute to strengthening the industry as a whole. The Newfoundland and Labrador fishery is currently facing a number of challenges and we certainly support the implementation of an early retirement program.�

Minister Rideout went on to say that government will continue to lobby the Government of Canada to secure its financial contribution to this initiative.

�Early retirement plans can be extremely expensive, and therefore a commitment from Ottawa is vital in this matter,� said the minister. �This has been brought to the attention of the federal government and these efforts will continue. Our government has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to working with the Government of Canada to secure federal funds for the people of this province. An election is around the corner and it is time that all parties push for this initiative.�

Minister Rideout says that government has been highly active in preparing for this initiative.

�The previous Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture did meet with the FFAW on numerous occasions and did engage in consultations with the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment,� continued Minister Rideout. �To that end, both departments are currently developing estimates of the potential costs of such programs for fish processing workers.�

The minister added that he has reiterated government�s support for an early retirement package to the FFAW. �I have already met with the union regarding this issue, and we are both determined to develop a strategy,� said Minister Rideout.

The minister reiterated that an early retirement package must contribute to the long-term rationalization of the province�s fishing industry. �This is a complex issue, and will become important as we complete a review of the Cashin Report,� said Minister Rideout. �We will continue to work with stakeholders to arrive at solutions as we proceed with this review.�

Minister Rideout said, �It is certainly unreasonable for the Opposition to claim that this government has done very little to work toward an early retirement program, and it is both unethical and unprofessional for the MHA for Grand Bank District to suggest that I personally have not given this issue the required due diligence.�

�I have held this portfolio for two weeks and unfortunately all issues cannot be fully addressed within that time,� he continued, �but I am certainly continuing to make this issue a priority.�

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403

2005 11 25                           4:55 p.m.