|
MacKenzie: Premier Showing No Leadership on Stora Crisis |
|
|
|
Written by NS Liberal Party
|
|
Wednesday, 29 March 2006 |
Conservative Premier Rodney MacDonald's lack of leadership on the current crisis at Stora must end, says Liberal Leader Francis MacKenzie.
"It's time for the premier to show leadership," says MacKenzie. "The future of an entire community is in jeopardy and the premier continues to downplay the seriousness of this issue."
The management of Stora held a public meeting in Halifax yesterday with the plant's union leaders. It was made clear that without assistance from the provincial government, Stora workers and the Strait community, the newsprint division of the plant will be forced to close, and possibly the entire plant could be shut down.
Premier MacDonald met with Stora officials today and refused to commit any assistance to the company. Up until today, the premier has said his government would not get involved because of ongoing contract negotiations between management and the union.
"The response from the premier today is unacceptable and irresponsible," says MacKenzie. "I expect more from the leader of this province and so do the people of Nova Scotia."
"The premier has the power to call on many resources to assist this company and help get the workers back on the job," says MacKenzie adding that something must be done to address 600 jobs that are at immediate risk.
MacKenzie suggests the premier should call on the resources available within the Department of Labour to work with the company and the workers to find a solution.
"The premier has yet to prove himself as a leader," says MacKenzie. "This is the time for Rodney MacDonald to show Nova Scotians that he is up to the job of running the province." |
