Mayors’ Seek Government Strategy for Paper Industry

(Happy Valley-Goose Bay September 22, 2011) -  Mayors from throughout Atlantic Canada alarmed at the sudden closure of the New Page plant in Port Hawkesbury Nova Scotia urged all levels of government to work together toward a strategy to preserve the industry in the region. 

On the second day of the 23rd session of the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress mayors passed a resolution calling for leadership from the federal and provincial governments to immediately develop a strategy to deal with paper mill closures. Mayor John Morgan of Cape Breton Regional Municipality said,”Trouble in the forest industry sends ripples throughout the economy.  Many jobs in the plants in the woodlots and in transportation depend on the health of this industry.  Government needs to act quickly and decisively.”

Meeting in Happy Valley-Goose Bay next door to the site of the proposed Muskrat Falls Hydro Electric Project, the mayors expressed their support for the project. Mayor Leo Abbass of  Happy Valley-Goose Bay the host for the meetings said, “The economic benefits from this project will go far beyond our town and Labrador.  There will be great employment opportunities, strong business partnership and, at the end of the day, cleaner energy.”

Many of the communities represented by the mayors are host to Canadian Forces bases.  Today they were treated to a tour of the CFB Goose Bay 5 Wing facilities.  Base commander Lt. Colonel Andrew Flemming outlined the significance of the military installation and the positive impact it has within the host community.

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For further information or comment please contact:

Mayor Leo Abbass 709-897-4480

Mayor John Morgan 902-563-5005