GPM Shareholders Resume Discussions

Discussions between shareholders of Garden Province Meats with respect to the future of the plant are on-going. Premier Binns says he is pleased hog producers, beef producers and Maple Leaf Foods shareholders met for face to face discussions of possible options. The meeting was facilitated today in Charlottetown by senior staff of the Premier's Office and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

"Our government remains convinced that a made in P.E.I. solution to maximizing the economic benefits of the hog industry is the best way forward," said Premier Binns. "On the other hand, I don't want to raise expectations unnecessarily. There are many issues yet to be resolved."

In an effort to avoid misinformation and to facilitate frank discussions, shareholders agreed to keep all discussions confidential at this early stage and agreed to exchange information in preparation for future discussions. No time frame was provided.