Greater commitment needed for the people
of Englee
The Town of Englee continues to look for action from
government that will see fish plant operations re-established and bring new
opportunities for the long-term future of the area, says Marshall Dean,
Opposition Fisheries and Aquaculture Critic. Dean raised the issue earlier
today in the House of Assembly.
The fish plant in Englee has been inactive for the past
five years and over 150 people were displaced as a result. Government has
not indicated any plan to help the town besides short-term minimum wage
opportunities, and certainly nothing of substance for long-term solutions.
“The plant in Englee operated for decades and people
took pride in their fish plant,” said Mr. Dean. “Unfortunately, due to the
direct and indirect actions of the provincial government, this community has
experienced significant hardship over the past few years. What is needed now
from government is a real commitment that solutions are being considered.”
Dean says he was disappointed with the Minister of
Fisheries and Aquaculture’s response to his questions earlier today in the
House of Assembly. The minister did not provide any commitment or insight
into whether the government is willing to help the community re-establish
itself in the fishery or if any discussions have begun for the long-term
future of the town.
“I am willing
to work with every single minister or government representative who is
willing to work with the people of Englee. Unfortunately, the comments from
the minister today provided me with little comfort that he understands the
problems facing the community and the necessary action that is required on a
go-forward basis. I will continue to raise these important issues until
there is a recognition that the status quo is no longer good enough for our
region and we finally see some action.”- 30 -
Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (709) 729-6151 or (709) 687-0477