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Percy Barrett, MHA for the District of Bellevue, says he was disappointed
that all government MHAs voted against five Liberal amendments put forward
to strengthen Fishery Products International’s (FPI) Income Trust proposal
last week. The amendments, if passed, would have provided security to ensure
FPI lives up to their commitments made to the people the province. "I was
very disappointed that government voted as a block against amendments that
would have given some teeth to the FPI Income Trust legislation," said Mr.
Barrett. "If this were truly a free vote, I find it very strange that all
government MHAs would vote in a single unit against these amendments. The
Premier himself voted against this Income Trust Proposal because of the
numerous loopholes it contained. It is very ironic that he helped defeat
five amendments that would have eliminated these same loopholes and
strengthened the legislation.
"Unfortunately, FPI is now permitted to sell off a large portion of their
value added and marketing division in the United States, the most valuable
part of the company. This legislation was passed without any real guarantees
that they will live up to their promises, especially to the people of
Bonavista and Fortune. My amendment would have ensured that the company
place the funds promised to upgrade the Bonavista and Fortune plants in
trust with government. Now, there is nothing to prevent the company from
using an excuse such as resource availability or economic viability to break
their promise and refuse to upgrade either plant.
"The other amendments put forward by my colleagues would have also given
this piece of legislation some teeth. I was very surprised that not one
member of the government side would stand up and support these amendments.
This goes to show that this whole exercise was nothing more than an
orchestrated sham. The Premier has provided protection for himself should
FPI break their promises, while still allowing the company to move forward
with their plans. Government MHAs will have to shoulder the blame when they
realize they were part of the dismantling of one of the most important
companies in this province, and responsible for one of the biggest resource
giveaways in the province’s history."
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