Leaders Take United Approach on Devco

Leaders of Nova Scotia's three political parties have agreed that a co-operative committee effort holds out significant hope towards achieving a better plan for phasing-out the Cape Breton Development Corp.

Premier John Hamm, NDP leader Robert Chisholm and Liberal leader Russell MacLellan met this morning, Oct. 1, and agreed that this co-operation will help to secure a plan that ensures a fair outcome for Devco employees, their families and the community.

They say the plan should take into account the transition to privatization, as well as the need for long-term economic renewal in Cape Breton.

Each party leader also pledged to continue their own individual efforts to secure a better package for the miners, their families and the community.

The leaders believe the unexpected closure of Devco's Phalen mine reinforces the need for the federal government to provide miners with an improved severance and compensation package, which will apply to more employees than the current plan.

Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage, NDP MLA Frank Corbett and Liberal MLA Dave Wilson have been designated by their respective leaders to serve on the special committee. The committee will hold its first meeting early next week.