I have known Robin Wilber for almost 40 years, and I have found him to be a man of integrity, a great community advocate, a sound business person — a great oak of common sense in a forest of saplings.
I thought the province had made a good move by asking him to serve on the forestry transition committee. His experience at all levels of the industry is second to none and the people of Nova Scotia, and especially those affected by the impending closure of Northern Pulp, would greatly benefit with someone like that around the table.
Wilber was fired for suggesting that Northern Pulp would consider a “hot idle” for its plant; apparently, that was not in the interests of either the committee or the government. Northern Pulp has subsequently indicated it’s here to stay for the long term. I think the premier and the government should reconsider their hasty reaction and keep a person like Robin on the transition team.
The message right now is: “Comply with group thinking, keep your mouth shut and just get along.” I thought the premier wanted an end to that way of thinking. I guess I was wrong.
Wayne Fiander, Bedford
