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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he is pleased that Fisheries Minister
Trevor Taylor finally acted to address the situation taking place in Englee.
Reid is also pleased that the minister issued a call for proposals in this
instance, unlike the circumstance in New Ferrolle, but is questioning
whether the Fish Processing Licensing Board is truly independent.
"Minister Taylor is quoted in today’s media as saying that he will have the
final say in who gets the processing license in Englee," said Mr. Reid. "If
this is the case, the minister should eliminate the Fish Processing
Licensing Board and admit that he will choose the company he wants to see in
the community from the submitted proposals.
"I have stated from day one that the Fish Processing Licensing Board is
only a smokescreen for government. Ultimately, the minister and government
will have the final say in who gets a license. This will ensure that
licenses are issued to companies that are politically acceptable to the
minister and government. Minister Taylor continuously stated that this board
is an arm’s length body that will recommend which company should get a
license. I ask the minister, if he has the final say and can overrule the
recommendation of the board, how is this arm’s length?
"If the minister wants the people of the province to believe that a board
will make the final decision, he should confirm that a license will be
granted to whomever the board chooses. The minister must either let the
board do its work or get rid of it. It does not make sense to waste money on
a board’s recommendation that the minister may only dismiss at the end of
the day."
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