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STEPS TAKEN TO ADDRESS PLANT CLOSURE
The following represents the Town of Harbour Breton's account
of the events of the first few weeks following the plant closure
announcement made by Fishery Products International.
Announcement: Friday November 19,
a press release was issued
by Fishery Products International regarding the operation of the Fish
Plant in Harbour Breton. As a result of an engineering study, FPI has
determined that the Harbour Breton Fish Plant has structural problems
and is not safe for occupancy, and that FPI would not be resuming its
operations in this plant.
Working Committee Established: Just prior to this announcement
a working committee established to explore the long term viability of
the plant had its first meeting (Thursday November 18, 2004). This
committee consists of representatives from the Union, the Provincial
Government, the Town of Harbour Breton and FPI.
A mandate was identified that included development of a business plan
that would explore options associated with long term stability for the
plant. The options included looking at a variety-species plant and the
committee exploring the availability of various species in the area and
accessibility. The intent and focus of the committee was long term
planning. However, at the end of day one all parties, with the exception
of FPI, were shocked when a report regarding the status of the plant's
structure was produced by FPI.
On November 19, 2004 the committee met a second time to seek answers
to a number of questions.
- Why in November commission a study when it was known that the
plant would need to be reopened early in the new year? No answer.
- Could a copy of the engineering study be made available to the
committee? Answer: A committee
member could look at it but no copies could be made and the report
could not leave the office.
- Are there any temporary measures that could be taken to make the
plant structurally sound in the short term, to allow it to operate? No
answer.
- Can we at the town's cost hire an engineer to do our own
assessment? Answer, No, because regardless of the outcome FPI would
not be re-opening the plant.
On Friday evening November 19, 2004 the Mayor of Harbour Breton met
with Peter Noel of the Premier's Office and provided an update on
what happened on November 18, 2004.
On Saturday November 20, 2004 at a public meeting union membership and town was
informed of the FPI decision and the steps to be taken. Following the
public meeting council met to further discuss the issue and develop an
action plan.
On Monday November 22, 2004 the MHA for this district Oliver Langdon
presented the town's case to the House of Assembly. The transcript of
that debate is available on the
House of
Assembly website.
The Economic Development Committee of Harbour Breton met on Monday,
November 22, 2004 to discuss and prioritize the steps needed to be
taken. The committee agreed that the highest priority is to stabilize
the community by addressing the immediate concerns related to the
200+ FPI plant employees that will run out of employment benefits by the
first week in February 2005. Once this is effectively dealt
with the committee will proceed with a long term sustainability plan.
Key issues to be pursued include accessing a percentage of the fish quota
from FPI that has traditionally been processed in Harbour Breton.
Holding FPI to the commitments that were made in 2001 when changes to
FPI's Board of Directors were made. And pursuing some form of financial
restitution from FPI.
Monday November 29, 2004 a Day of Mourning was
held in the community. Hope was expressed however subsequent meetings
have not resulted in any progress in terms of a solution or a commitment
from FPI to continue its operation.
The Department of Government Services released
the
findings of a report by Occupational Health and Safety confirming
the findings of the report by FPI regarding the structure of the Plant.
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This page was last updated 2005-02-25 |
