Port au Port to benefit from Aquaculture Human Resources Development Program

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today reiterated government�s commitment to the aquaculture industry and rural Newfoundland and Labrador with an announcement of over $3,100 in aquaculture funding for Port au Port District.

"Our government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the seafood sector through aquaculture support programs aimed at facilitating the development of the industry," said Minister Rideout. "Aquaculture provides a massive opportunity for the future of rural Newfoundland and Labrador and our government will continue to support the industry as we move forward."

Under the Aquaculture Human Resources Development Program, Plastik Industries of Canada Limited will receive $3,159 to aid in the delivery of a mussel socking training program for its site workers. The company�s aquaculture operations are located in the Piccadilly Bay area.

"Funding allocated to assist the aquaculture industry in this province is money well spent," said Port au Port District MHA Jim Hodder. "This industry has tremendous potential here and will be of particular benefit to rural Newfoundland and Labrador communities. This funding will help workers in this area and will enable this company to further contribute to the local economy."

In Budget 2006, $410,000 was allocated for aquaculture initiatives under a variety of industry support programs.

The Aquaculture Human Resources Development Program assists companies or recognized industry associations to upgrade the knowledge and skills base of employees.

"Aquaculture is the best kept secret in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Rideout. "This province has many of the last remaining sites suitable for aquaculture development in North America. Approximately 90 per cent of this province�s potential remains untapped, and our government is committed to unleashing our full potential.

"As we move toward this goal we are continuing to support aquaculture innovation, human resource development and marketing intelligence through directed industry assistance programs. We are dedicated to the sustainability of rural Newfoundland and Labrador and we are demonstrating this through our continued initiatives in the aquaculture industry."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403 oatesll@gov.nl.ca

2006 06 23                                   11:10 a.m.