House of Assembly will suspend debate until further notice

Government House Leader Ed Byrne announced today that the House of Assembly will now suspend debate on the FPI Income Trust Proposal until further notice to allow government more time to negotiate a solution for the people and community of Harbour Breton. While it is likely the House of Assembly may reconvene this week, there remains a possibility it will not reconvene until sometime next week. As soon as a decision is made, the media and general public will be immediately advised.

Premier Danny Williams indicated that, if assistance is not forthcoming from the federal government by the end of this week, he will lead a delegation to Ottawa. "I want to give the federal government every opportunity to come to the table with solutions to assist the people and community of Harbour Breton," said Premier Williams. "In fairness to the federal government, I know they are engaged on this file as I have personally had several conversations with officials, including the Prime Minister, Ministers Stonach and Regan and MP Bill Matthews. Today, I also spoke with Minister John Efford and indicated the provincial government will continue to press the federal government for a timely response. Time is of the essence for the people of Harbour Breton, and we cannot afford to wait much longer."

Media contact:

• Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
• Roger Scaplen, Government Members Office, (709) 729-1679

2005 06 14                                             2:30 p.m.