|
Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, is calling on Premier
Williams to stand up and fight for the people of Stephenville and ensure the
mill infrastructure in the community stays intact and is not dismantled.
The people of Stephenville have stated that they are very disappointed that
government is willing to allow the Abitibi mill to be dismantled and shipped
out of the community. The union, chamber of commerce, economic development
committee and town officials all believe the mill infrastructure is a key
component in attracting new industry and future growth in the area.
"Residents and businesses in Stephenville believe the mill infrastructure
is an important component in the future of the Bay St. George region," said
Mr. Joyce. "There was significant disappointment in last week’s announcement
by Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale that government was willing
to allow the mill to be dismantled. The minister also criticized the
suggestion of expropriation because there was no buyer, even though this was
the stance of the premier several months ago. The people in the area feel
Minister Dunderdale has dropped the ball on this file and they are now
calling on Premier Williams directly, not the minister or another official,
to become involved and attend a public meeting in the town.
"As the former Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development,
Minister Dunderdale continuously touted the mill infrastructure as an
important component for future development in the area. It is very
unfortunate that her attitude has changed over the past couple of months.
Minister Dunderdale’s position is the exact opposite of the former
minister’s stand to ensure the mill infrastructure stayed in the community,
and expropriation would be used if necessary to protect those assets. Most
people in the area believed this was the position of the government and
Premier Williams.
"It is time for the premier to become directly involved in this file.
Many of the people in the Stephenville area have lost their faith in
Minister Dunderdale and the province must outline their plans for the
Abitibi facility. The people of the area have requested and deserve a public
meeting with the premier. I ask that he accept this request to ensure that
all of the information is made available regarding this file and that there
is a solid opportunity to secure the future of this region of our province."
|