Premier Stephen McNeil has announced the names of the people who will help guide how the province supports forestry sector workers and businesses affected by the announced closure of the Northern Pulp Mill in Abercrombie, Pictou County.
The announcement was made on Jan. 3.
Kelliann Dean, deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, was previously announced as the team lead. Other members include:
– Julie Towers, deputy minister, Department of Lands and Forestry
– Simon d'Entremont, deputy minister, Department of Energy and Mines
– Ava Czapalay, acting deputy minister, Department of Labour and Advanced Education
– Don Bureaux, president, Nova Scotia Community College
– Jeff Bishop, executive director, Forest Nova Scotia
– Robin Wilber, president, Elmsdale Lumber Company
– Debbie Reeves, chair, Large Private Non-Industrial Landowners of Nova Scotia
– Greg Watson, manager, North Nova Forest Owners Co-op Ltd.
As the team moves forward with its work, individuals with further expertise may be engaged, as needed, the province stated in a release.
The transition team will hold its first meeting on Jan. 9. Initially, the team will have three key areas of focus:
– advise on short-term interventions that can have the most effective impact for affected workers and businesses throughout the forestry sector
– advise on potential areas of investment related to the $50 million transition fund
– identify longer-term and innovative approaches for the forestry industry in Nova Scotia while ensuring an ecologically sustainable and globally competitive forestry sector for the province
"We know there is an impact on workers and the industry, so it is critical to have industry representatives at the table,” McNeil said. “I am grateful these individuals have agreed to work with government to ensure we identify the most effective ways to support the industry in the short term and to provide advice on longer-term options for the future of forestry in our province.
He said the government wants and needs a forestry industry in Nova Scotia because it helps drive rural economy.
“I am confident we will find a path forward that balances economic growth and environmental integrity."
Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston in recent weeks has been demanding more clarity about the forestry transition team and their role.
“This is a critical period. Thousands of Nova Scotians are concerned about their jobs, and since the government has raised the prospects of $50 million in transition money, it owes it to them to properly communicate the plan for this fund,” Houston said prior to the announcement of the transition team members. ”All of Nova Scotia needs this initiative to be successful, and we want to be helpful, so it is important that we understand the actual, stated objective of the team and its fund.”
In an interview this week, Houston said it’s important that a new market is found for the pulpwood in Nova Scotia.
“It’s a scary time for a lot of families,” Houston said. “It’s a scary time for a lot of businesses.”
Houston believes the $50 million that’s been allocated for the transition fund is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the impact that the closure will have on the economy.
“I don’t know if it was anything more than someone just picking a number out of the air,” he said.
He said the focus now needs to be on not only the immediate economic impacts, but how to help create stability in the next five and 10 years and moving forward.
“It’s a big part of the provincial economy and it won’t be replaced overnight.”
Since the deadline for closing the Boat Harbour effluent treatment facility was confirmed on Dec. 20, the province says members of the forestry industry have been continuously engaged to provide input on critical impacts and to gather suggestions from industry.
Also on Dec. 24, a toll-free line (1-888-315-0110) opened for individuals with immediate needs and questions. To date, more than 125 calls to the toll-free line have been answered; this line will remain open to continue to provide information tailored to individual needs including updates on available income assistance programs as well as employment and training opportunities.”