Premier Urges Federal Minister to Act on Issues of Importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians

Today, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, met with the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for ACOA and the Federal Government’s Regional Representative for Newfoundland and Labrador, to discuss several issues of utmost importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including search and rescue and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

“At every opportunity, I continue to press the Federal Government to live up to their responsibility to provide a safe and reliable search and rescue system in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have historically made our living at sea and it is critically important that we have access to an effective and dependable search and rescue system,” said Premier Dunderdale. “I also raised with Minister Moore the importance of reaching a CETA deal which represents the best interests of the people of this province. We will continue to work through this with the Federal Government over the coming months to ensure any trade deal reached with the European Union reflects the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Premier Dunderdale also spoke to Minister Moore about the concerns of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians surrounding changes to Employment Insurance and Federal Skills Funding.

“It is critically important that the Federal Government recognizes the negative impact changes to Employment Insurance and Federal Skills Funding could have on workers in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout the Atlantic region,” said Premier Dunderdale. “In particular, seasonal workers are being directly targeted by the new definitions of ‘suitable employment’ and ‘reasonable job search.’ This approach presents a significant risk to seasonal industries and the continued viability of rural regions. I continue to advocate for the people of this province in order to ensure that any changes to Employment Insurance or Skills Funding recognize the unique situation of Atlantic Canadians.”

Premier Dunderdale noted that she was pleased to meet with Minister Moore and voice issues that are important to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

“These are the concerns I hear about on a daily basis from residents of this province,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Minister Moore now has a responsibility and obligation to the people Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that these issues are reported to Prime Minister Harper and acted upon by the Federal Government.”

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2013 09 24                                     3:15 p.m.