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NLIS 2
September 28, 2006
(Executive Council)
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
 

Government approves sale of Harbour Breton plant to Barry Group

The provincial Cabinet confirmed today that approval has been granted for the sale of the plant in Harbour Breton. Earlier this month, Fishery Products International (FPI) purported to sell the plant to the Barry Group for $1, however, any sale must first be approved by the provincial Cabinet under the Fishery Products International Limited Act for it to be effective.

"I am pleased today to confirm that our government has approved the sale of the plant in Harbour Breton, and I firmly believe that this is start of renewal for the community and people of Harbour Breton," said Premier Williams. "The people of Harbour Breton have been through a very difficult time since FPI closed that plant in 2004. Our government made a commitment to that community that we would not forget them and that we would do everything possible to realize new opportunities for Harbour Breton. I said it would take time, and today I believe we have reached a turning point and that better days are ahead for this community."

Since the closure of the plant in 2004, the provincial government, the town, the union and others have worked tirelessly to develop solutions to the challenges facing the community, and indeed the entire region.

The Premier added that he indicated to Mayor Don Stewart, that the approval of sale would be subject to the town getting written commitments from the Barry Group on certain conditions. The main condition involves the future of the plant if Mr. Barry decides at some point in the future to no longer operate the plant. In this circumstance it is the view of the province and the town that the plant should revert back to the town.

"I recall when the plant closed that I felt the best new opportunity for the region was in the area of aquaculture," added the Premier. "I met with Mr. Barry at that time and discussed opportunities to help the region. Much has happened since then, and many ideas and proposals have come and gone. However, today it appears that Mr. Barry has a solid plan in place for Harbour Breton, and after consultation with the town our government is pleased to facilitate the agreement between the company and Mr. Barry."

The Premier said this is another example of government�s commitment to rural regions. As regions face challenges and deal with adjusting to new circumstances, the provincial government works with communities to find new opportunities.

"We have always said that challenges facing our rural regions will not be resolved overnight," said Premier Williams. "Whether it is a fish plant, a pulp and paper mill closing or some other circumstance that is negatively impacting a community, our government will work with those affected to ensure new opportunities are realized whenever and wherever possible. The situation in Harbour Breton is a good example of this, and unfortunately while we did see people leave the region throughout the transition period, today we have turned the corner and I am very pleased for the people of Harbour Breton."

Minister Rideout said that Mr. Barry�s plans for Harbour Breton will bode well for the region, especially with his emphasis on aquaculture. "Our government has been committed from day one to seeing the aquaculture industry grow," said Minster Rideout. "I understand Mr. Barry has plans to grow the aquaculture industry in that region, and I believe that industry is the future of the Connaigre Peninsula. I will be very pleased to see people back in that plant working as soon as possible."

Media contact:

  • Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709)729-3960, 351-1227, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
  • Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403, oatesll@gov.nl.ca
  • 2006 09 28                                  12:50 p.m.


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