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Is government allowing FPI to process Newfoundland and
Labrador fish in Great Britain? November 21, 2005
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he is upset that a British seafood company
recently purchased by Fishery Products International (FPI) will be permitted
to process Canadian fish in Europe, while in this province the company is
shutting down operations due to lack of resource. FPI recently purchased The Seafood Company, a British fish processing company for $40 million. This purchase was made even though FPI says they are suffering financially and will have to undertake an overall review of its Newfoundland and Labrador operations. In the October 21st edition of the Eastern Daily Press, a British newspaper, it states that FPI plans to grow, expand and create new jobs at its Great Britain operations by importing Canadian fish for processing. This expansion will take place as FPI has laid off hundreds of people, closed plants and broken commitments to the people of this province. "Is any of the fish being shipped to Europe for processing the fish that was traditionally processed in Newfoundland and Labrador," asked Mr. Reid. "FPI is undertaking a review of its operations in this province, while at the same time they are expanding in Europe. If the British media reports are correct, European operations will grow thanks to Canadian fish. "During question period today, Minister Rideout tried to defend the actions of the company. Instead of standing up for the people who rely on FPI for their livelihoods, he seemed satisfied to stand by and allow the company to ship our unprocessed fish to Europe for the benefit of European workers. Whether it be shrimp, crab or groundfish, the provincial government should be forcing FPI to process our resource in this province. "The time has come for the government to launch an inquiry into the business activities of FPI. If this company is going to conduct a review that could lead to the elimination of plants and jobs in this province, while at the same time spending money and using our resource to expand in Europe, we deserve to know exactly what is happening. If Minister Rideout has any interest in the fishery in this province, I call upon him to initiate an investigation to ensure the best interests of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are being served."
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