Premier Announces Staff Resource Support for Communities Impacted by Bowater Closure

Premier Darrell Dexter today, June 20, took another step to support workers, families and small businesses owners on the South Shore by forming a provincial response team.

The province's Bowater Response Team will bring together expertise and resources from across government for a comprehensive, co-ordinated approach to get supports and services for the people and families who need them.

"This is a top priority for government and we are committed to do what it takes to see this community and industry through a very tough time," said Premier Dexter. "We are mobilizing to meet immediate needs and plan for long-term opportunities that will create good jobs and a stable economy."

Jeff Larsen, Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism executive director of investment and trade, and Allan Eddy, Department of Natural Resources senior director, will lead the response team. It will also include resources from the departments of Labour and Advanced Education, Natural Resources, Community Services, Energy and Nova Scotia Business Inc.

The team will support transition advisor Ron Smith, who was appointed earlier this week to help communities impacted by the Bowater mill closing, map their future. The provincial team will take options and ideas submitted by Mr. Smith's transition committee and determine what the province can do to implement them.

The province's response team is also identifying all provincial supports, programs and services that can help impacted families and make them available.

"The people of the South Shore deserve the best opportunities for long-term prosperity and we are doing everything we can to meet their immediate needs while also helping plan for a better tomorrow," said Premier Dexter.

The response team will focus on three key areas:

• Community Adjustment: Help community, workers and businesses through transition. Increase and diversify the local skills base.
• Economic Diversification: Identify growth opportunities in key sectors. Implement strategies to attract investment and create jobs. Support entrepreneurship.
• Forestry Transition and Supply Chain: Pursue opportunities to support the forestry sector. Transition regional forestry sector and supply chain. Identify short, medium and long term opportunities for forestry innovation.

The team will also meet with the forestry sector to discuss immediate needs. The province is also gathering information on the 500,000 acres of land for sale by Resolute.

"The premier clearly understands the need to create momentum across provincial and municipal governments, and the regional development authority so that we identify and capitalize on new opportunities and turn the closure of this mill from the tragedy it is today, to a promising future," said Queens County Mayor John Leefe.

A team of career counsellors and job training specialists are also in the area to support affected workers.