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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
October 17, 2012

Fogo Island Seafood Co-operative Uses Provincial Government Support for Training

The Fogo Island Co-operative Society Ltd. is using a Provincial Government investment of $13, 215 for health and safety training that is focused on a safer, more productive work environment.

“One of the most powerful tools in business is knowledge,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “This workforce training will equip employees with greater knowledge to ensure a safer, more productive workplace. By taking a proactive approach towards the well-being of employees, the organization will realize the benefits of fewer accidents and less turnover.”

In order to maintain a healthy and safe work environment, and to meet occupational health and safety requirements, the Fogo Island Co-operative Society will contract specialized companies and organizations to provide First Aid/CPR and Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Commission Fall Protection training.

“I am pleased that the Provincial Government has invested in a safe and healthy work environment for the employees of the Fogo Island Co-operative Society,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame. “The co-operative plays a vital role in the lives of many families on the island, and this training will ensure safer practices for the employees which in turn will benefit all residents.”

Incorporated in 1967, the Fogo Island Co-operative Society employs 900 members, including 300 plant workers and 600 fishers. It also operates three processing facilities on Fogo Island – a shrimp processing facility in Seldom, a snow crab plant in Fogo, and a groundfish processing plant at Joe Batt’s Arm.

“The women and men who work for our company day in and day out, processing all species of seafood, in often very uncomfortable conditions, are the very backbone of our business and we have to do whatever we can to ensure their safety,” said Phil Barnes, General Manager, Fogo Island Co-operative Society Ltd. “This training represents a step in the right direction in protecting these employees and ensuring they get home safe to their families.”

As 2012 marks the International Year of Co-operatives, this initiative highlights the important role co-operatives play in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Co-operatives stimulate industry growth and community growth,” said Minister Hutchings. “Fogo Island’s longstanding success highlights how valuable such co-operative thinking is in terms of providing widespread, meaningful opportunities. By going beyond individual potential, co-operatives enable businesses to overcome unique challenges by finding strength in working together.”

This initiative was funded through the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program, which through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity has $2.1 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, the program helps small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic sectors acquire and increase the skills of employees to enhance productivity and global competitiveness. It is funded by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Agreement and the Strategic Training and Transition Fund.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation,
Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570; 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Deborah Chaulk
Constituency Assistant for the
Honourable Derrick Dalley
MHA The Isles of Notre Dame
709-884-1226
DeborahChaulk@gov.nl.ca

Phil Barnes
General Manager
Fogo Island Co-operative Society Ltd.
709-627-3452
 

2012 10 17                                3:05 p.m.

 
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