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NLIS 8
March 24, 2006
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
 

Exemptions can only be granted by minister

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today said that exemptions to ship unprocessed fish out of Newfoundland and Labrador can only be granted by the minister.

Minister Rideout said: �FPI did not have written permission from me or my predecessor to ship unprocessed yellowtail flounder out of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2005. Any such exemptions must receive prior written approval by the minister. FPI would have been aware of this requirement.�

Minister Rideout added that getting an exemption in writing from the minister is the procedure that has always been used where the granting of exemptions is concerned.

�In the past, FPI has always received signed letters from the minister when exemptions have been granted,� said Minister Rideout. �This practice has not changed. Furthermore, consultations with department officials do not represent any form of permission, because only the minister can grant exemptions.�

Minister Rideout reiterated that FPI appears to have contravened the Fish Inspection Act by shipping large amounts of yellowtail flounder out of Newfoundland and Labrador, without prior approval from government.

�The department�s audit of FPI�s yellowtail operation has essentially concluded,� said Minister Rideout, �and it clearly showed that FPI shipped large quantities of fish out of the province.� FPI did not have written approval for that transfer.

Minister Rideout added that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does not prescribe minimum processing requirements. That organization is only concerned that food products destined for export meet minimum health and safety requirements.

�The requirements of the CFIA have nothing to do with exempting processing companies from the minimum processing requirements prescribed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Minister Rideout. �Government�s audit clearly shows that FPI has failed to meet the department�s requirements in the export of yellowtail flounder.�

�The investigation is still ongoing,� continued the minister. �When it is complete, the information will be assessed and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for a determination on whether charges will be laid.�

Minister Rideout said: �The fish landed in Newfoundland and Labrador is meant to benefit the people of our province. Therefore, we will not tolerate any unauthorized exportation of unprocessed seafood products by FPI or any other processing company.�

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

2006 03 24                                          2:50 p.m.


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