By Greg Bennett
Although there is speculation that dozens of provincial fisheries employees based in Halifax may soon see their jobs transferred to a rural community, officials say nothing is set.
The government announced plans in the last month’s speech from the throne to decentralize some departments and relocate jobs.
After that, rumours were being floated about the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department making a move to Shelburne or Antigonish.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau repeated the government’s intention to decentralize some departments but offered no specifics.
“Absolutely no decisions have been made as yet on any departments,” said Belliveau.
Meanwhile, some municipal leaders including Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney, are making public pitches for more government jobs.
“Simply put, Yarmouth is the best, most economical choice as a location for any decentralized offices or services of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture,” said Mayor Mooney in a news release.
Belliveau did not add any more fuel to the fire and said the government would make decisions on its departments in a careful and planned manner.
“I’d ask for people’s patience in the meantime,” said Belliveau.
Generally, if a position is relocated, employees are offered the job in the new location and are entitled to compensation if they decline.
