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Gerry Reid, Opposition Fisheries Critic and MHA for the District of
Twillingate-Fogo, is disappointed that Fisheries Minister Trevor Taylor
would not commit any support for Harbour Breton’s request to the federal
government to transfer the current fish quota held by FPI and traditionally
processed in that town. Minister Taylor made the comments during question
period on Monday afternoon. "It is very unfortunate that the provincial
government is not willing to lobby the federal fisheries minister on behalf
of the people of Harbour Breton," said Mr. Reid. "Minister Taylor has
continuously stated that issues related to transferring quotas remains with
the federal government, however, he is unwilling to ask the federal minister
to keep the current quota in the town. This is even more unfortunate when
one considers that MP Bill Matthews is currently lobbying the federal
minister to do exactly this. Why is this government not willing to stand up
for the people of Harbour Breton?
"While in Opposition, Mr. Taylor was very critical of the actions of FPI.
Now that he is in government he is willing to let this company do whatever
it pleases, even though it is governed by a piece of legislation that is
supposed to protect rural communities in this province. Minister Taylor has
also decided to ignore his commitment in 2002 that FPI could not move
forward with layoffs without the consent of the union. Why has this minister
had such a drastic change of heart?
"It appears that this minister and this government agrees with FPI’s
decision to close the Harbour Breton plant and take their quota elsewhere.
This is unacceptable and Minister Taylor should at the very least speak to
his federal colleague in an effort to give the people of this community a
long-term future. I suggest this government begin listening to the people of
the Connaigre peninsula if they are truly committed to finding a solution to
this current situation." |