FFAW, mayors launch campaign to promote rural issues

Just weeks before Newfoundland and Labrador'sprovincial election, the fisheries union is starting a campaign to promote rural issues.

The campaign iscalled Rural Works, and it is focused on the importance of the fishery to rural towns around the province.

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"The reason we were settled here is because of the fishery.The reason we remain here is because of the fishery," said Fish, Food and Allied Workerspresident KeithSullivan at a news conference Thursday.

"It remains a primary economic driverworth over $1 billion to our province. We think it can be worth much more," said Sullivan.

Twillingate mayorGordonNoseworthysaid while his town has a thriving tourism industry, the fishery is a mainstay.

The shrimp plant there employs up to 140 people but Noseworthy said it's about more than paycheques.

"When these boats come in, thegroceriesthey pick up in supermarketsis unreal. They eat the best," said Noseworthy, laughing.

"Then it's the gas, cigarettes and beer, don't forget that."

Bruce Button, themayor of Old Perlican, said there is still a major spinoff from the fishery in his community,where two fish plants employ workers from all over the province.

"The number of people that come in during the summer months that service some sector or another, whether it be engine repairs to boats or vessels, or equipment at the plants, I mean this has the potential to be a large generator for the rural areas of Newfoundland," said Button.

The FFAW said the campaign will bring together a coalition that includes fish companies, town leaders and businesses. Sullivansaidthe group will lobby for better pay for rural jobs, and work to bring people back to rural communities.

While many of the issues identified, such as quotas and adjacency, are federal, Sullivan said the province has control over infrastructure.

The Rural Works campaign will be non partisan, he said.

The group did not provide any detail about how it will get its message out or how much money it will spend.