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. |