I rise today to inform Honourable colleagues and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador of a new opportunity for Grand Bank Seafoods that bodes extremely well for that facility and indeed the Grand Bank region as a whole.

A new licence for the secondary processing of masago, or capelin roe, has been approved by my department for the Grand Bank operation. The company has been involved in the processing of masago for over seven years outside of Newfoundland and Labrador and this operation is now moving to Grand Bank.

Product for processing will be shipped to Grand Bank from Iceland. At the outset, this new segment of the operation will provide jobs for approximately 20 individuals. These individuals will benefit from six months of work each year at competitive wages. Indeed, this new product line will provide increased stability for an already stable workforce.

The company is hoping to expand the operation as the supply from Iceland increases, which would generate additional employment opportunities and benefits for the company, its workers and the community.

My department is pleased to provide funding of $40,000 to assist the company with the purchase of the equipment necessary to operate this new product line, as well as with the necessary refurbishing of the Grand Bank facility. This is another example of how the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry is benefiting from the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program which was established under our Fishing Industry Renewal initiative.

At present time, there is masago in storage at the Grand Bank plant and processing officially began on Monday past. The company has completed the necessary renovations and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has approved the facility�s Quality Management Program for this species.

Indeed, this addition to the Grand Bank operation is certainly tremendous news for the company and the community. At present, approximately 275 individuals are employed as a result of the Grand Bank facility, including those associated with processing, harvesting and administration. Furthermore, it speaks to the growth of secondary processing within the fishing industry in our province.

I ask all members to join with me in wishing Grand Bank Seafoods well in their new endeavours.

2008 03 19                                              2:15 p.m.