Ocean Choice worker assistance announced

The P.E.I. government unveiled its plan Tuesday for how it will help the 300 people who don't have jobs at the Ocean Choice processing plant this year.

Ocean Choice International announcedMonday it's ceasing operations at its Souris plant and is putting the building up for sale.

The news came just days before the start of the lobster season.

Premier Robert Ghiz also defended government's decision not to give the plant the millions of dollars he said was requested by the company.

Ghiz said the company had asked for between $ 5 million and $15 million in financial support, and was using the threat of plant closure as a way to pressure government.

"No one should be put in a position where they are asked for millions of dollars to help out a single company with the risk of jobs and the fisheries on the line with a short term decision that must be made," said Ghiz Wednesday.

"We were given ultimatums for 24 hours, 48 hours, or they were going to announce a shut down. No one in their right mind can make the best possible decision in short periods of time like that," Ghiz said. "That is called scare tactics and coming in and basically putting a gun to someone's head. We did not want to go down that road."

Ghiz vowed to take legal action to recover about $10 million dollars intaxpayer moneyto Ocean Choice International.

Helping OCI workers

Innovation Minister Allan Campbell, who represents the Souris area, said government will do everything possible to help the displaced workers.

Campbell said Skills PEI is holding a meeting with OCI workersWednesday at the Eastern Kings Sportsplex. From there, one-on-one meetings will be offered to each worker to assess their needs and employment opportunities.

The government is also contacting businesses to identify jobs for OCI workers and will offer wage and transportation assistance to help affected workers secure jobs with Island businesses.

Government is also contacting other businesses on the availability of jobs.

It will also provide wage and transportation assistance to workers.

The government plans to meet with the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association, buyers and Island processors to see how the closure will impact them.

In addition, government lawyers have been instructed to begin actions to collect debts owed to the province by the company and to collect on the personal guarantees and securities.

Early Tuesday, Oppositionleader Olive Crane called on thegovernment to put short-termwage subsidiesin place toget the workers through what she expects will be a rough period.

OCI purchased the Souris plant seven years ago from the now-defunct Polar Foods International. Itinvested about $20 million in the facility over the years.

Meanwhile, the president of the PEI Fishermen's Associationweighed in on the closure.

Mike McGeoghan said Tuesdayhe feels bad for the workers, but he doesn't think OCI's departure will have a negative impact on lobster fishermen.

McGeoghan said he believes the government made the right decision in standing up to the company.

"If they knew this plant wasn't going to open they should have let people know two or three months ago so people would've had an opportunity to go find work. So they wouldn't be in the state they are in now cause everybody is in limbo what are they going to do," said McGeoghan.