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Percy Barrett, Opposition Liberal MHA for the District of Bellevue, says he
is optimistic following a meeting yesterday with three government Ministers
to discuss the need for community enhancement projects in the Arnold’s Cove
area to help residents ease the burden of income lost due to the downsizing
of the local fish plant. "There are over 100 people in the area who were
impacted by the reduction in the labour force at the fish plant in Arnold’s
Cove," said Barrett. "While we were fortunate that the plant was not closed
outright, these individuals and their families are going through very tough
times and government must step in with funding through a community
enhancement project.
"In a meeting yesterday, I raised the issue with Minister Jack Byrne in
Municipal and Provincial Affairs, Minister Kathy Dunderdale in Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development and Minister Trevor Taylor in Fisheries and
Aquaculture. The message was well received yesterday and the Ministers
assured me that they were now aware of the situation resulting from the
Arnold’s Cove plant operations and would make representation to cabinet on
their behalf.
"It is essential that these workers find some short-term relief to deal
with the immediate problems caused as a result of this loss of work in these
communities. Government must also work with the people to ensure alternative
sources of employment are made available in the future to ensure that their
families can remain in the Arnold’s Cove area in the long-term."
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