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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