| Charlie Parker |
Legislation was introduced Wednesday implementing a provincial investment in jobs, land purchases and innovation at the Bowater Mersey Pulp and Paper Mill near Liverpool. Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says the bill is a strong statement of the province’s commitment to support good jobs, strong rural communities and a sustainable pulp and paper industry that is an integral part of the provincial economy. The Bowater Mersey Investment Act will give legal authority to enact a multi-year agreement, outlined by Premier Darrell Dexter on December 2nd, that includes a capital investment, land acquisition and worker skills training. Highlights of the agreement include:
– $25 million in capital improvements to help reduce electricity consumption and also produce additional renewable energy.
– $23.7 million to buy 25,000 acres of company-owned land, some of which could be used towards the province’s goal of 12 per cent protected lands by 2015.
– $1.5 million for skills training through the Productivity Investment Program.
