NEWS RELEASE

                                                                                       Office of the Official Opposition

December 2, 2009
For Immediate Release

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.”

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Media Contact: 
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (709) 729-6151 or (709) 687-0477