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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he is extremely disappointed with the
outcome of negotiations between government and Abitibi Consolidated related
to their mill operations in Grand Falls-Windsor and Stephenville.
"Yesterday’s news was devastating to the people of western and central
Newfoundland," said Mr. Reid. "Everyone held out hope that an agreement
could be reached that would have saved the mills in Stephenville and Grand
Falls-Windsor. The media blackout and the way in which the Premier was
speaking, most people thought an agreement would be reached. Unfortunately,
this was not the case.
"We, as an Opposition, allowed government to undertake these secret
negotiations without being critical in hopes that an agreement would be
reached. Now that it appears this government failed the people of
Stephenville and Grand Falls-Windsor, it is imperative they release all
details of offers and proposals made to the company. This will allow
everyone in the province to see first hand what was offered to the company
and what was refused. The Premier says no stone was unturned, it is now time
for the people of the province to review the offers to see if they agree.
"This government continuously states they are all over files and they
have the answers. To date, we have not seen any results from these efforts.
We have already witnessed what the Premier’s commitment has meant to the
people of Harbour Breton. We now see what the Premier’s commitment has meant
to the people of Stephenville and Grand Falls-Windsor.
"For a government that says they are excellent negotiators and have the
answers to the problems that face Newfoundland and Labrador, their current
track record does not inspire confidence. It is now time for this government
to stop their secret tactics and release everything publicly. Two
communities have just lost hundreds of jobs and it is imperative that
everyone know exactly what was on the table."
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