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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid, Opposition Natural Resources Critic Kelvin
Parsons and Grand Bank MHA Judy Foote says the Williams Government is
neglecting the needs of the people of the Burin Peninsula and this is
forcing many to leave the region in search of work. The Provincial Liberal
Caucus is on the Burin Peninsula this week to discuss issues and meet with
concerned groups and individuals. On Tuesday, Gerry Reid, Kelvin Parsons and
Judy Foote held a press conference to outline some of the concerns that have
been raised regarding the Premier’s lack of leadership on Burin Peninsula
issues and to offer government some suggestions that could help those
affected by the Fishery Products International closures and the downturn in
the local oil and gas industry.
"We have received so many calls from communities and people on the Burin
Peninsula that we felt as a caucus that it was very important to come and
meet with the people, discuss their issues and hear their concerns
directly," said Ms. Foote. "Over the past several weeks, we have witnessed
many things take place that have negatively impacted the economy of this
region. The closure of the fish plant in Fortune; the on-going saga related
to FPI’s operations in Marystown; the downturn in the oil and gas sector as
a result of the breakdown of talks on Hebron/Ben Nevis; and government’s
decision to remove services and close schools. All of these issues combined
are making it very difficult for the people living in my district and the
entire Burin Peninsula."
"We feel that the Premier and his government failed the people of the
Burin Peninsula miserably when it comes to FPI," said Mr. Reid.
"Unfortunately, they now find themselves in a situation where they are being
forced to find another Plan B for their inaction and lack of leadership.
What we need is a new spirit of co-operation between the federal and
provincial governments so we can move forward on a number of issues such as
an early retirement and licence buyback program. If government feels that
rationalization must take place, there needs to be a plan to accomplish this
downsizing of the industry. Those employed in the fishing industry cannot be
thrown out of work without a plan to address their needs. If both levels of
government are serious about finding solutions, immediate plans should be
developed on an early retirement and licence buyback program. To date, the
provincial government has only paid lip service to this idea, while the
federal government appears unwilling to support this type of initiative.
"Also, if this province is going to have any real say in the future of
our fishery, we will need some control or say about the allocation of fish
quotas which are currently under the sole purview of the federal government.
Serious examination must also take place on cod recovery and further
attempts must be made to combat overfishing.. For the immediate problems
being experienced in our fishery, there must be a bridge to get many rural
communities through this tough time. Government should look at some form of
an Employment Insurance support or rollover plan. Another short-term measure
would include the scrapping of licencing and other related fees charged to
fish harvesters, many of whom are having a very difficult season. An income
support program should also be established to help fishery workers get
through this period. If there is a will, both levels of government can
certainly find a way to help support our fishery workers. Short-term relief
is needed, however, it appears the Williams Government is blind to this
fact."
Opposition Natural Resources Critic Kelvin Parsons is encouraging the
provincial government to get back to the table and re-establish negotiations
on the Hebron/Ben Nevis project. "While there has been lots of rhetoric and
chest-thumping by government regarding this project, nobody really knows
what exact details were discussed and what potential agreement was turned
down. All we have been told are selective pieces at a high level without
drilling down into the details. We have asked for these details, but have
been refused by the Premier.
"Just a few short years ago, Marystown was booming. At the peak of the
White Rose project, at least 1500 people were directly employed on the
project. This does not include spin-off jobs that were being created in all
sectors of the local economy. Restaurants were booming, the real estate
market was expanding, new stores were opening, all signs of a robust and
growing economy. However, we are now hearing from the service and supply
sector that the decision to defer the Hebron/Ben Nevis project is already
having a severe impact.
"Our tradespeople are being forced to leave the Burin Peninsula in search
of new employment. Many that were directly involved in the oil industry have
already left the province and this is having a trickle down effect. While
nobody wants a bad deal signed on this project, it is too important to just
throw our hands up in the air and say leave it in the ground. The people of
the province deserve to know the specifics as to what deal was rejected and
whether there is a possibility that an agreement can be salvaged.
Communities such as Marystown and surrounding areas need these projects and
the economic benefits that come with such activity."
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