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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he is disappointed that Fisheries and
Aquaculture Minister Tom Rideout still maintains that he has received no
information regarding the Fishery Products International (FPI) internal
review. Reid is questioning why, after several months of review, government
has not demanded an update on FPI’s plans.
"Minister Rideout has continuously stated that he has not been given an
update on FPI’s plans for its fish processing operations in this province,"
said Mr. Reid. "If this is indeed true, Minster Rideout is neglecting his
duties to the people of this province. For government to sit back and let
this process unfold without any monitoring or discussion is absolutely
shameful and a total failure to the people who rely on FPI for their
livelihoods.
"While in Opposition, Minister Rideout and his colleagues demanded action
be taken to protect the workers of FPI’s operations in the province. Our
government brought legislation to the House of Assembly that protected the
workers. Since becoming the government, the PC Party has done nothing to
protect our resource, our workers or our towns. As demonstrated in the case
of Harbour Breton, government provides lip service to these issues, but
lacks any real action. Their traditional quota is being processed outside of
this province and there has not been a word spoken by this government.
"The people in FPI communities are very anxious to find out what their
future has in store. FPI was scheduled to complete their internal review
earlier this month, but has not made any public announcements. If the
company has not given any update to the provincial government, it is
incumbent upon Minister Rideout to find out these details. This is not a
company who has the right to walk over the people of this province in
whatever manner they like, they are governed by a piece of legislation in
the House of Assembly.
"The hands-off approach of this government is disturbing. Instead of his
usual rhetoric and attacks, I am calling upon Minister Rideout to finally
stand up for the people of this province and get involved in this issue. The
time has come for him to find out exactly what is happening at FPI."
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