Government moving forward with consultations on Cashin report

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today said that government is moving forward with consultations on the Cashin report. There are plans to consult with key industry stakeholders and the general public. As well, government is actively working on the collective bargaining recommendations in the report.

Minister Rideout said, "Government has established an interdepartmental committee that is actively analyzing and gathering information on the recommendations in the report. As well, I will be consulting the FFAW and Association of Seafood Producers. My department continues to be in contact with those two groups regarding their views on the recommendations."

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture plans to hold official consultation meetings with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) and Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) before the end of the month. Preliminary discussions with the FFAW and ASP have already taken place.

The department will also accept written submissions on the report until January 27, 2006. Information regarding submission procedures and electronic copies of the report can be found on the government Web site � www.gov.nl.ca/fishaq/CashinReport/consultations.stm. The report was released by government on December 13, 2005.

The minister says that government is looking forward to hearing the views of the harvesting and processing sectors.

"The input of harvesters and processors to this process is important to government and we look forward to hearing what these groups have to say. However, while government is willing to facilitate effective relations between these two groups, it is critical that they come together and show leadership for the people who depend on the fishery."

The report contains a number of recommendations on collective bargaining in the fishing industry, general industry issues and federal-provincial policy. The recommendations regarding collective bargaining are a top priority right now, in order to facilitate a timely start to the 2006 fishery.

It has historically been issues of price that have delayed the start of the fishery. The recommendations contained in this report may provide opportunities for harvesters and processors to reach more timely agreements on these matters.

Minister Rideout said, "My department is actively working with the government�s Labour Relations Agency in reviewing recommendations related to collective bargaining. We anticipate that we will be prepared to move forward in this area, in the near future."

"It is the role of government to provide the proper policy framework for collective bargaining, in which the fishery can operate effectively," said Minister Rideout. "Government is working on putting that framework in place by examining legislative requirements."

Minister Rideout says the province�s fishery continues to be a top priority for government.

"In light of the challenges that currently exist in the province�s fishery," continued Minister Rideout, "government places the utmost importance on this sector and we are using this report as a tool to help us move forward in an effective manner."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403

2006 01 19                         3:30 p.m.