ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS BEING REHIRED

[Jacalynn Furlong]

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is about to rehire more than two dozen fish and wildlife enforcement officers.
Justice Minister Darin King said most of the jobs will likely be filled by the same people who were laid off when the provincial budget was brought down in March.
Twenty-five people will be rehired to permanently fill vacant positions.
"They're the ones that are getting priority," said King.
"Just this week, I signed off on approval for 19 individuals to be rehired for a short-term, 13-week period. And of course all of these people are experienced with us, and undoubtedly they're the ones who are going to fill these positions on a permanent basis. I believe that's going to make a significant contribution to enhancing our service."
Wildlife groups had slammed the decision to cut enforcement jobs, saying it would lead to rampant poaching.
King also said $612,000 was approved in this year's budget for new mobile technology for field officers.
Mobile workstations will be installed for use in field vehicles, with the integration designed to free up some of the officers' time from administrative duties. King added this will enable them to spend more time out in the field.