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.


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