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NLIS 6
March 21, 2006
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
 

Government behind FPI workers on the Burin Peninsula

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today said that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is behind FPI workers on the Burin Peninsula. The minister was speaking at the rally held by numerous FPI employees outside of the company�s headquarters in St. John�s.

Minister Rideout said: "Government is prepared to work with all parties to provide tangible benefits for impacted FPI workers. This includes the Government of Canada, all industry stakeholders and the company itself. We encourage everyone to take the initiative and do what is necessary to ensure solutions are found in a timely fashion."

The minister added that the implementation of an early retirement program is fully supported by government.

"An early retirement program is instrumental in finding our way forward," said the minister. "Government has stated numerous times that we are behind an early retirement initiative, and we continue to encourage all stakeholders to do their part in moving forward a suitable program."

Minister Rideout says while government�s review of FPI�s groundfish operations has been completed, phase II of the review is ongoing.

"The review of the company�s groundfish operations was completed quite readily, with full cooperation from FPI," said the minister. "However, it is clear that the company wishes to be very resistant to providing information regarding all other sectors of the operation, including shellfish. FPI appears to be deliberately dragging its heels."

The minister says that any violation by FPI of the Fish Inspection Act will not be tolerated.

"This includes the exportation of unprocessed fish," said Minister Rideout. "Government has completed its audit of FPI�s yellowtail flounder operation, and an investigation has now been initiated."

"Furthermore," continued the minister, "government is in no frame of mind to be looking at dismantling the FPI Act in the near future."

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

2006 03 21                                             2:45 p.m.


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