Opposition warns government not to hang everything on MOU  

Marshall Dean, MHA for the District of The Straits-White Bay North and Opposition Critic for Fisheries, says government needs to fast-track the MOU process, or get real about what is happening now in the fishery by establishing a transitional plan to address current industry challenges.

In response to the announced closure of the Jackson’s  Arm fish plant last week, Dean challenged the minister in the House of Assembly today on what government is prepared to do to help communities, like Jackson’s Arm, deal with plant closures in the lead-up to the MOU being actualized.      

“The people and community of Jackson’s Arm epitomize those who will fall through the cracks while government hangs its hat on the MOU agreement,” says Dean.  “These plant workers have lost their plant this season and they are fearful that it will be a permanent closure; and there is no meaningful transitional support for them to make the leap to the future.  All government can retort is that they have faith in the MOU process. That is not acceptable for those facing devastation right now.”

Dean points out that government appears to be operating in a vacuum waiting for the MOU ship to come to the harbour. “The reality is that it may take years for this process to unfold, if at all.  We cannot simply sit back and allow these workers or communities to be at the mercy of pre-restructuring without the benefit of adequate support and long-term strategies.

“We have plants like those in Fortune that are a mere shadow of what they were years ago.  In my district, the plant at Englee closed and there was no investment by government to entice other industries to the town.   The plant at New Ferolle is still not up and running for a second season, while the one at Anchor Point is still not out of the woods yet, despite reassurances by the minister. If this government is at all serious about the MOU process, they would position those stakeholders who will be affected by this reform at the table. What are they waiting for? 

 “There is no doubt that some tough decisions will have to be made, but it is important for these communities to be a part of the dialogue leading to reform and know in advance what the decisions are. These cuts are coming mainly to rural Newfoundland and Labrador and they are happening now.  Government needs to honestly acknowledge this and get a plan in place as they row towards the MOU.”

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