News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Parsons disappointed Abitibi given green light to decommission Stephenville mill

October 10, 2006

In a late Friday afternoon press release, government released Abitibi from further environmental assessment on the decommissioning of the Stephenville mill. It now appears the company can dismantle the buildings and return the site to a green field with the permission of the provincial government.

"I am very disappointed that government appears willing to allow this valuable asset to be removed from the Stephenville area," said Mr. Parsons. "Over the past 12 months we continuously heard the premier and the minister of natural resources state emphatically that they would expropriate the mill if no deal could be reached with Abitibi. However, since the mill closed, government has been extremely quiet and has made no mention of expropriation. It is obvious this was strictly political rhetoric.

"The premier and his government owe the people of the Bay St. George region more than a late afternoon press release announcing the demise of their mill. He continuously talks tough, but refuses to take action to protect the needs of the people. I fear that any chance that may have existed to find a new operator for the mill, or a new industry to take over the assets will now be lost. A defunct paper mill in Cape Breton was just given new life by investors because the facility was left intact. Similar possibilities will not be possible if Stephenville’s assets are torn down and shipped from the community.

"It is unfortunate that our provincial government appears unwilling to fight to keep this infrastructure in Stephenville. The Bay St. George region has much potential and opportunity, however, the loss of the mill asset will certainly do nothing to encourage new investment in an area that certainly needs a new industrial customer."

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477