Provincial fisheries building named after the late Senator Petten

Premier Brian Tobin today officially named the provincial fisheries and aquaculture building in St. John�s after the late William J. Petten, a retired senator who was instrumental in the passing of Bill C-29 which gave Canada the authority to unilaterally enforce NAFO regulations for straddling stocks outside 200 miles. The premier was joined by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford and the wife of the late Senator Petten, Bernice Petten, for the official ceremony. A plaque was also unveiled in the main lobby of the Petten Building on Strawberry Marsh Road.

"It is indeed an honour for me to name the provincial fisheries building after a man whose efforts as senator were successful in forming legislation that enabled Canada to extend its jurisdiction beyond 200 miles to deal with the threat of foreign vessels on the high seas," said Premier Tobin. "Mr. Petten�s role in helping Canada move forward in its efforts to control foreign fishing activity was a significant one."

"Mr. Petten exerted tremendous commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador and he is to be remembered for piloting Bill C-29 through the Canadian Senate. Naming the provincial fisheries building after Mr. Petten is indeed an appropriate honour and it will always be a reminder of his important contribution to our fishery,"said Minister Efford.

The late William Petten began his political career in 1968 upon his appointment to the Senate of Canada. During his career, he served in various capacities including deputy leader of the government in the Senate, government whip, and on numerous committees including Fisheries, Transport, and Legal and Constitutional Affairs. Mr. Petten retired from the senate in January 1998. He passed away in Ottawa on March 6, 1999.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564.

2000 10 05 11:15 a.m.