The Provincial Government is concerned with the recent announcement by the Barry Group that it will not be reopening its fish processing facility at Trouty for operation next season.

"Our government is certainly sympathetic to the plight of those who will be impacted by this announcement," said the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "The facility at Trouty employed individuals in numerous communities on the Bonavista Peninsula and was, therefore, a very important contributor to the economic well-being of that region of our province. This is indeed a very unfortunate occurrence, but we must now work together cooperatively to find a positive way forward."

The Trouty facility employed approximately 200 individuals.

Minister Rideout added that government will work quickly to ensure that any pertinent support measures are in place to accommodate the displaced workers.

"The closure of the Trouty fish plant will be given full consideration for support under existing government programs and the framework of adjustment services for permanently-closed fish plants, including the Fish Plant Workers Employment Support Program that was announced last year," continued the minister. "Government will assess the situation to determine the next steps. This will involve consultation with both communities and affected individuals. It has been indicated that affected workers may find employment at other plants in the region and we intend to explore this further with the Barry Group. As with the closure of any major employer in any industry, government will be actively involved with the community and with affected residents."

The Provincial Government has provided $2,550,000 over three years for fishing industry workforce adjustment. Such support has been crucial to Fortune and Port aux Basques during very difficult times endured by workers affected by plant closures in these communities. Government has also been very proactive in assisting the communities of Harbour Breton, Marystown and Englee under difficult circumstances in the fishing industry.

Support for workforce adjustment is a major component of the Provincial Government�s three-year Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. This strategy sets out a comprehensive suite of programs designed to bring fundamental change in the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry. Through initiatives aimed to address enhanced marketing, research and development, occupational health and safety and the implementation of fish auctions, as well as an enhanced Fisheries Loan Guarantee Program, government�s total renewal undertaking is an estimated $140 million.

"Our unprecedented investment in the fishery and our past efforts in assisting affected communities are indicative of this government�s unwavering commitment to this industry and to rural Newfoundland and Labrador," continued Minister Rideout. "My officials have already been in contact with the other government departments involved in the administration of the Fish Plant Workers Employment Support Program and other support measures regarding the current situation at Trouty to move this process forward. This issue is currently a top priority and we will work diligently to bring forth any possible relief for the affected individuals."

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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca