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Released: 18 June, 2001
Speaking NotesForThe Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, P.C., M.P.Minister Of Fisheries And Oceans
at the Opening of the Highland Fisheries
Plant
Glace Bay, NS
June 18, 2001
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Good afternoon, Mr. Risley, Chief Paul, ladies and gentlemen.
ItÂ's a great pleasure to join you here in Glace Bay as we celebrate this
special achievement.
And itÂ's special for many reasons.
First of all, itÂ's always cause to celebrate when a new plant opens.
Plants like these are economic engines, spelling big benefits for the
communities in which theyÂ're located. Indeed, the 70 new positions being
created at this state-of-the-art facility will create a positive ripple effect
that will be felt throughout the region.
And these employees will certainly be busy. I understand you expect to
process two-and-a-half million pounds of snow crab this season alone.
With numbers like this, this plant is certainly well-positioned to take
advantage of the growing international appetite for fish and seafood products.
Recent figures show that last year, CanadaÂ's fish and seafood exports hit an
all-time-high of $4.1 billion Â- our third consecutive year of growth.
The fact that companies like Highland have adapted so well to some
challenging times for our groundfish stocks is a testament to your hard work and
innovation. Indeed, this innovative facility proves that CanadaÂ's fisheries
industry is adapting Â- and adapting well Â- to the new,
technologically driven Canadian economy.
But this plant is special for another reason, too.
TodayÂ's opening fulfills the promise of the MOU signed in March between
Highland and Membertou First Nation. Under this forward-thinking partnership,
Membertou is having its snow crab processed here, while Highland is providing
employment for a number of people within the Band.
ItÂ's truly a win-win situation, with both Highland and Membertou
realizing the benefits, and sharing in the profits.
And itÂ's only the beginning.
I understand that Membertou is actively seeking similar partnerships
throughout this region with companies like Highland that share the BandÂ's
commitment to principles like conservation, innovation and sustainable
development.
Well Â- youÂ're certainly starting off on the right foot.
Indeed, as we look for ways to build bridges between Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal communities, we need only look here Â- to Glace Bay Â- to see
where itÂ's being done right. IÂ'm sure that this plant will inspire
others to find ways to work together to strengthen CanadaÂ's fishery sector Â-
a sector that has been so very important to CanadaÂ's economic and cultural
growth over the years.
Indeed, this plant is a clear expression of our shared commitment to a co-operative,
inclusive, and innovative Canadian fishery in the years ahead.
LetÂ's continue working together to make this commitment a reality.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate you on this significant
accomplishment.
Thank you very much.
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