"These seasonal employees are trying to make a living from Newfoundland and Labrador’s traditional industry," said Sweeney. "Unfortunately, the season has come to a close for these workers and they have not worked enough weeks to qualify for decent Employment Insurance benefits. For many of them, a few hours or weeks work is all they require to get through the rest of the year."

Sweeney says he has written Provincial Fisheries Minister Trevor Taylor and Federal Natural Resources Minister John Efford to seek their assistance to come through with a solution which will ensure that all employees of the Sea Crest plant receive full Employment Insurance benefits to ensure their economic stability through the fall and winter months. He feels this is an important issue that must be dealt with immediately.

"The financial implications to the entire area will be felt if both levels of government don’t come to the table. Seasonal employees will not be able to purchase the items they need to survive. This will effect businesses in the community. Economic activity will slow and growth in our area will become only a dream. I ask Ministers Taylor and Efford to step in and ensure this does not happen."