NLIS 9
October 21, 2005
(Innovation, Trade and Rural Development)
Ministers discuss Harbour Breton
proposal with FFAW, town
Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development and Minister responsible for the Rural Secretariat, Jack
Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and Trevor Taylor, Minister
of Fisheries and Aquaculture, yesterday met with representatives from the Fish,
Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW), the Town of Harbour Breton and the
Industrial Adjustment Services (IAS) Committee to discuss income and employment
options for displaced FPI employees in Harbour Breton.
�Over the past several weeks, the FFAW has worked on an income support proposal
for displaced FPI workers. Yesterday we met with the union, the town and the IAS
to discuss what has been developed,� said Minister Dunderdale. �All parties are
pleased with the result, and agree that through the union�s wage enhancement
proposal, we can maximize the support benefits for the displaced workers. The
proposal depends upon continued investment from the federal government. It also
depends on funding committed by FPI which the province has agreed to advance in
the interim, from the $1.25 million it previously committed, pending receipt of
FPI funding.�
Minister Dunderdale reiterated that the success of the proposal is contingent on
support and assistance from the federal government. �A key component of the
income support proposal is the federal government�s commitment of a minimum of
$2 million, with the federal government to fund �legacy� projects with lasting
merit, beyond the $2 million, to allow workers to be employed on projects over
the next two years. Continued funding from the federal government is critical
for this proposal.�
The income support proposal for displaced FPI workers has two options. Workers
can chose a one-time lump sum payment, or they can opt to work on projects for
two 14-week cycles over two years, depending on federal funding to cover
projects for that period. Union members can obtain further details from the FFAW.
In addition to providing interim funding the provincial government has appointed
a team of officials in Harbour Breton, to work with senior government officials
and the community to identify opportunities, develop project proposals, identify
funding sources, and pursue federal project approval and assist in
implementation.
The minister said the success of this proposal also hinges on community
stakeholders working together for the benefit of the employees by generating
solid projects and proposals. �The success of this approach relies on federal
commitment at a level appropriate to the needs of the region, and it is also
essential that community stakeholders fully engage with a sincere spirit of
cooperation if we are to provide income and employment solutions.�
Minister Dunderdale said the province has been and still is solidly committed to
working with all parties to deal with displaced workers, as well as advancing
short and longer term economic diversification activities for the region.
�The province continues to play a strong role in the development of solutions
for the workers as well as the region, and we commit to remaining a partner in
this process,� said Minister Dunderdale.
Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709)729-4570, 690-6290
2005 10 21
3:45 p.m. |