New Fish Processing Licensing Board to strengthen province�s fish processing policies

The Government of Newfoundland of Labrador today announced the appointment of the inaugural members of the Fish Processing Licensing Board. The board has been established in response to industry calls for changes in the way fish processing policy decisions are made.

The board chair is Richard Cashin, a founding member of the Fish, Food, and Allied Workers (FFAW) union. Other appointees are Louis Bailey, former Mayor of Burin; Bern Bromley, retired publisher of the Northern Pen; Ida Powell, Mayor of Charlottetown; and Dave Bonnell, head of the School of Fisheries of the Marine Institute.

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, says the new Fish Processing Licensing Board will provide industry members with a stronger voice in fish processing policy decisions.

"The board will provide a wealth of experience on Newfoundland and Labrador�s fishing industry and its rural communities," Minister Taylor says. "Their diverse knowledge of local issues will provide for meaningful scrutiny of future fish processing license applications. I am pleased that we have them on board."

Minister Taylor added the provincial government is satisfied with the progress made on renewing the province�s fish processing policies.

"Our government has adopted a new, more transparent policy framework based on key recommendations of the Dunne Report," he says. "The government is committed to bringing the necessary stability and renewal to the fishing industry. These policy updates promote meaningful employment and are intended to help achieve a sustainable balance in our rural communities."

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications (709) 729-3733, 690-6047

  Backgrounder - Overview of Renewed Fish Processing Policy Framework
  Backgrounder - Fish Processing Licensing Board � Mandate and Biographies

2005 02 23                11:05 a.m.