Government extends deadline for written submissions on Cashin report

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced that the deadline for submitting written submissions on the Cashin report will be extended. The new deadline is Friday, February 3, 2006.

Minister Rideout said: "I have already held consultations with the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) in a private meeting. They asked for extra time for written submissions and I felt it was fitting to oblige. Consequently, the deadline will be extended for all stakeholders.

"Our goal is to receive written submissions from as many people as possible," said the minister. "If extending the deadline will facilitate achieving that goal, then government is pleased to do it."

Government announced on January 19, 2006 that it would be accepting written submissions on the Cashin report. The deadline was originally set for tomorrow, January 27, 2006.

Minister Rideout reiterated government�s commitment to the province�s fishery.

"The fishing industry in this province, as well as the sustainability of rural Newfoundland and Labrador, are top priorities for government," said the minister. "The fishery is currently undergoing dramatic changes and we are committed to addressing these changes for the people of the province who depend on the resource."

Written submissions can be sent via email or forwarded to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture by mail. Information regarding submission procedures and electronic copies of the report can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/fishaq/CashinReport/consultations.stm.

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

2006 01 26                    1:45 p.m.