Processing licence for Fortune can be renewed

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, said today that the processing licence for the fish processing facility in Fortune can be renewed. Minister Rideout said, "The licence has in no way been surrendered or revoked and government is still actively working on attracting activity to the facility. The MHA for Grand Bank is simply incorrect in her statements."

Government has developed a framework to assist plant workers and regions impacted by fish plant closures and the plant workers impacted by the Fortune plant closure will be the first workers eligible for programs and services under the new framework.

"This in no way means that the processing licence for the processing facility in Fortune has been revoked," said the minister. "Government will work with any potential operator for the facility that comes forward, as we do with all those interested in setting up a business in the province. Should a new operator come forward, they can go through the process of obtaining the licence for this facility through the Fish Licensing Board, in an expedient manner.

"However, even if a new operator comes forward, there is no guarantee that they would employ the same number of people as the previous operation," said Minister Rideout. "Therefore, it was necessary for government to ensure transitional measures are in place. We are being proactive in helping the community move forward."

The framework is designed to address the needs of individuals in areas where the plant has closed. This is the case in Fortune where the operator has sent out termination notices. So the former employees of that particular plant qualify for this suite of programs.

Minister Rideout said, "The framework is designed to assist the workers during this time of transition, over the short-term, to deal with their immediate financial needs. However, it is also designed to assist people with longer term planning and looking at options for economic diversification within their communities. This is a critical component of finding long-term solutions for areas impacted by plant closures.

"Supporting displaced workers in the fishery is a top priority for government, as it is a key issue for many rural communities right now. Our province�s fishing industry is in transition and government will be there to support the people of the province who are impacted by this critical transition."

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

2006 06 30        3:45 p.m.