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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he was surprised to learn last week that
Fishery Products International (FPI) sold their Harbour Breton plant to Bill
Barry for $1 without the knowledge of community residents, and apparently
without the approval of the provincial government. Section 7(2) of the FPI
Act states that the company cannot sell a plant in this province without the
approval of the provincial government. It states, "Notwithstanding
subsection (1), except with the prior approval of the Lieutenant-Governor in
Council, neither FPI Limited nor Fishery Products International Limited
shall sell, lease, exchange, mortgage, grant or assume a security interest
on, or otherwise dispose of, or allow or direct a subsidiary of it to sell,
lease, exchange, mortgage, grant or assume a security interest on, or
otherwise dispose of, a plant or other processing facility, wherever
located, and machinery and equipment located in the plant or processing
facility."
"FPI’s unilateral decision to sell their Harbour Breton plant
demonstrates once again the lack of respect John Risley and the company have
for this province," said Mr. Reid. "Government accepted our amendment last
spring that would ensure any sale of an FPI plant would require the approval
of government. After hearing comments from Fisheries Minister Tom Rideout,
FPI did not have this permission to sell their Harbour Breton plant and
therefore are in contravention of the FPI Act.
"It is my understanding that both Cooke Aquaculture and the Barry Group
of Companies had interest in the Harbour Breton facility. Before any
decisions are made to sell this plant, the town should have direct input and
access to any proposals to determine what would be the best option for their
community. Nobody seems to know the details of Mr. Barry’s plan for the
facility and it is unfair for FPI to make secret agreements behind the backs
of both the town and government."
Oliver Langdon, MHA for the District of Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune, said
there should be no deal with anyone until the property is transferred to the
Town of Harbour Breton. "The residents of our community should be the people
who make the ultimate decision as to who has the best proposal to take over
the plant. If there is a dispute as to what proposal would be best for the
region, I would suggest a referendum take place in the community to ensure
everyone has a final say in their futures."
Both Reid and Langdon feel the provincial government should become
directly involved and investigate the circumstances surrounding this sale.
If it was done illegally, the province should ensure the appropriate course
of action is taken.
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