"The news this week that FPI will discontinue buying H&G cod for Fortune is disheartening to all residents in the District of Grand Bank," said Foote. "I have a fear that if another source of raw material is not found to replace H&G cod at Fortune, FPI may also close the fish plant in Fortune, causing undue hardship for not only the employees of the plant, but everyone in the affected communities.

"I believe the company should reconsider this decision and at the very least guarantee the future of the plant for the workers, their families and the affected communities. In a week where the fishing industry was devastated with news that FPI plans to close the Harbour Breton plant permanently, it is imperative that FPI provide this commitment."

The Liberal MHA believes government has a role to play in protecting the processing plants operated by FPI. "This company operates under an act of the House of Assembly and government has to play an active role in protecting the livelihood of the workers. It is time for the Premier and the Minister to become involved to secure the future of these communities before FPI closes all their processing facilities and devastates rural Newfoundland and Labrador."