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MHA Jones expresses displeasure with
government's forest development approach in Labrador Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright-L'Anse Au Clair, says that she does not support the government's approach to forest development in Labrador given that it excludes her district from being part of the manufacturing strategy that is intended to develop and strengthen the industry in the region. The Department of Natural Resources announced today that it was seeking proposals to assess the potential to establish forest product operations in central Labrador. An independent study was carried out last year which identified potential forestry operations suitable for development, including harvesting, saw milling and secondary processing. The study recommended the establishment of a sawmill and manufacturing plant to produce construction lumber and packaged homes for local and northern markets, and to establish a pellet plant for use of Labrador pulpwood and wood by-products. "I am very unhappy with this approach which will see just one area given an opportunity to become the central location for this significant activity," says Jones. "The south coast of Labrador would have been well-suited for this concept of development given its own vast wood resources and available employment, and yet this area was not even given a chance to become part of this industry approach. "Furthermore, to make the operation viable in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, there appears to be a need to transfer the bulk of wood allocation available in Labrador to this operation. Does this mean the new company will have first right of refusal allocated for harvesting in Labrador? "This project would have created nearly 100 new jobs and sustained the long-term viability of communities like Port Hope Simpson, Charlottetown, Cartwright, St. Lewis, Mary's Harbour and Pinsent's Arm. Now, they are unfairly asked to make a sacrifice for another part of Labrador. This really is a lost opportunity for these communities which were built around the fish and the forestry sectors. We were hoping that at the very least we would be considered for part of the operation, either the pellet plant or the fabrication of trusses or paneling. "I am calling on government to reconsider this decision and this approach to industry development and allow communities in my district to participate in this opportunity. If they truly believe in the future of rural communities and if they want to prove they have confidence in these communities, government should be working with proponents in this area to help secure the sustainability of these economies now and into the future."
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