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Judy Foote, Opposition Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Critic and
MHA for Grand Bank District, is calling on the Conservative government to
allow public scrutiny of any deal to sell Canadian Helicopter Corporation’s
(CHC) Composites plant in Gander. "At this time, I have no reason to
believe this business arrangement between CHC and it’s potential buyer is
not in the best interests of the people of the province and the Town of
Gander," said Foote. "I have initial concerns, however, that the company has
entered an arrangement that has not been disclosed to the employees of the
plant, the people of Gander or the taxpayers of the province who have
subsidized this operation several times in the past number of years.
"It is imperative that, before any decision is made by government
regarding this pending sale, the public is informed of the details of the
transaction and the impact on the province. The Town of Gander and the
employees at the company should be told the name of the potential buyer,
what their long-term plans will be for the site and the impact of the sale
on the community and the workers."
The Liberal MHA is also concerned about what might happen with the
monetary investment put into CHC Composites by government through grants. "I
believe the grants given to the company in the past were a good investment
for Gander and the provincial economy. Government must ensure this
investment remains in Gander for the long-term good of the economy. It is
not acceptable for a deal to take place that may see assets moving outside
the province. I expect the new investor would be required to adhere to the
same conditions attached to the initial funding regarding the number of
employees and time frame.
"It is my hope that a new investor in the company will bring new business
and new partnerships that will allow the operations to grow and prosper in
Gander. I look forward to full disclosure and the ability for public input
before any final decisions are made." |