Premier's Statement on Closing of Phalen Mine

Premier John Hamm issued the following statement on today's announced closing of the Phalen mine:

"This is a sad day for industrial Cape Breton and for all Nova Scotians. Certainly, we would have preferred the original plan for the operation rather than a sudden, unforeseen shutdown. The safety of miners, however, must always be the first priority in making these decisions.

"As I had indicated last week, I will use this week's Team Canada mission to Japan to speak with the Prime Minister about obtaining a fair severance and retirement package for affected Devco workers. This new development heightens the importance of the federal government to honour the commitment that the Prime Minister made in July through correspondence with the Devco families. Indeed, the federal government needs to get back to the drawing board, redesign its Devco package and include the Devco workers in the process."