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Anna Thistle, Opposition MHA for the District of Grand Falls - Windsor,
asked questions today in the House of Assembly about an apparent reversal in
position by Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne in discussing power
developments with Abitibi Consolidated without getting a firm commitment for
a two machine operation in Grand Falls - Windsor. "In the House of
Assembly last week, the Minister took a strong stand with the company and
said they would not discuss or start formal negotiations with them on power
until a commitment was made for a two machine operation in Grand Falls,"
said Thistle. "Now we are hearing that he has reversed his position and has
started talking with the company on these very projects.
"The Minister is double-talking. In public he takes a hard line with the
company, but at the same time he is entering into negotiations with the
company for the development of power projects on the Exploits River. I asked
how he expected the people of central Newfoundland to trust him when he is
trying to play both sides."
Thistle also asked questions of the Minister of Human Resources, Labour
and Employment on the situation at the mill. "I asked the Minister, Joan
Burke, if she was aware that there had been no consultation with the union
prior to this week regarding the reduction of up to 150 mill employees and
close to the same number in the woodlands division. I asked her to get
involved and investigate the matter and to assure workers that all aspects
of their contract would be upheld."
The Liberal MHA says she will continue to watch government very closely
on this issue and to pressure them to take a firm stand with the company and
protect the rights of workers and the future of the mill in Grand Falls -
Windsor.
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