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Anna Thistle, Liberal MHA for Grand Falls - Buchans
District, says in light of a review of the Grand Falls-Windsor and
Stephenville mills being conducted by Abitibi Consolidated, she wants a
commitment from government ensuring the protection provided in the Forestry
Act in 2002 will not be downgraded. "The people
of Grand Falls-Windsor were taken aback earlier this week when Abitibi
announced they would be conducting a review of their two paper mill
operations in this province," said Thistle. "These two mills provide
substantial direct and indirect economic benefits to the province and must
be protected."
During the Fall 2002 session of the House of Assembly,
government passed amendments to the Forestry Act to harmonize Abitibi
Consolidated’s non-renewable timber licences. The legislation was passed
with the support of the Conservative caucus and secured long-term
availability of wood supply for mill operations in Grand Falls-Windsor,
contingent upon the company maintaining production levels, which includes a
two-machine operation.
"I am asking MHA Ray Hunter and Premier Williams to
reaffirm their support for this legislation and inform the company up front
that no concessions will be made to allow for reductions in production at
the Grand Falls-Windsor mill.
"The workers at the mill in Grand Falls-Windsor are
very concerned about what this review will mean for their jobs and the
possible impact on the Central Newfoundland region. Government must provide
strong leadership at this time and take whatever measures possible to ensure
the long-term viability of this industry that has been the cornerstone of
the Central Newfoundland economy for 100 years."
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