NLIS 1
June 16, 2005
(Executive Council)
 

Premier requests meeting with federal ministers on Harbour Breton

Time is of the essence for the people and community of Harbour Breton, which is why Premier Danny Williams has officially requested a meeting with federal ministers for Monday, June 20. Premier Williams has requested a meeting with Ministers Belinda Stronach (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada), Geoff Regan (Fisheries and Oceans) and Joe McGuire (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).

"When I visited Harbour Breton last week, I committed to the people that, if the federal government did not come forward with solutions for the community, I would personally lead a delegation to the nation�s capital," said Premier Williams. "It has now been almost a week since the House of Assembly suspended debate on the FPI Income Trust issue. We need to move forward on this issue which is of importance to several communities, including Fortune and Bonavista, and we need answers for Harbour Breton."

Premier Williams said he will lead the delegation to Ottawa next week and is awaiting word from the federal ministers on when a meeting can be arranged.

"Of course, I remain hopeful that there will be a resolution to this issue between now and Monday and a meeting will not be necessary," added the premier. "I am certain the community would agree that the preference would be to see the federal government come forward with some solutions to assist that community in a meaningful way. The federal government has been engaged on this file; however, enough time has passed and their answers are now critical to the future of Harbour Breton and the entire Connaigre Peninsula."

The premier says the ideal situation would involve federal financial assistance for the community, money to remediate the plant and some form of a quota, in addition to the significant provincial commitment which has been there all along. Premier Williams said the provincial government is pushing the federal government on all of these issues, but is also working to achieve greater commitments from FPI for Harbour Breton.

"The solution for Harbour Breton must involve the provincial government, the federal government and FPI. I can assure the people that the province will be there for them, and we will continue to work with Ottawa and the company to get the best commitments possible to secure their future."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 06 16                                       12:55 p.m.
 


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