|
Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says he is disappointed
with the inaction of the provincial government as it relates to the former
Abitibi paper mill in Stephenville. In yesterday’s edition of the Western
Star, Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale stated that she would be
holding a conference call with the union to discuss next steps for the mill.
The minister was fully aware two weeks ago that the company planned to
decommission the mill. Late yesterday afternoon, and again this morning
government issued press releases which stated there was no interest in the
mill and it is likely the infrastructure will be decommissioned.
"I am very disappointed that Minister Dunderdale and the provincial
government would not be up front with the people of Stephenville regarding
the status of the Abitibi mill," said Mr. Joyce. "Minister Dunderdale sits
around the cabinet table and knew this announcement was coming for two
weeks. Instead of being forthright and telling the people of the region the
truth regarding the mill, she tried to hide the reality of the situation.
After reading today’s press release, it certainly appears that she is in
damage control mode and wasn’t aware that Abitibi’s announcement would be
made public this week.
"We have continuously heard the rhetoric from this government. The
premier committed in the last election that the mill would not close under
his watch. He also threatened to expropriate the mill from Abitibi, however,
we have heard nothing on these courses of action. Behind the scenes,
government was quietly telling workers that there was another operator
willing to move in and take over the mill operations. We now know this was
also false. Similar to Fishery Products International and Harbour Breton,
this government has talked tough but has done nothing.
"The premier and his ministers can continue to play games with the people
and families of the Bay St. George region, but this will do nothing to
address the situation. This file has been bungled by this government from
day one ever since the premier became involved. This government must now do
the right thing and ensure that the former Abitibi workers are given first
opportunity for the work in dismantling the mill. This work would allow 21
workers to get the necessary time to qualify for their pensions. Government
should also ensure that any decommissioning is done in a timely fashion to
look after the interests of these workers."
|