The province's decision not to proceed with the memorandum of understanding around the Prince Albert pulp mill is "a devastating blow", according to a new MLA.
"It signals the end of negotiations as they were existing," said Darcy Furber, the MLA for Prince Albert Northcote and NDP member.
The Saskatchewan Party government said Friday it wants to continue discussions with Domtar regarding the mill's reopening, but it will not offer grants, loans or equity investments to the company.
"This is consistent with the position we have held since the MOU was signed (in September)," said Bill Boyd, minister of Energy and Resources.
"We do not believe that a taxpayer bailout is the right way to go, but there are other things we can look at to ensure a bright future for the Prince Albert pulp mill and Domtar's other assets in northern Saskatchewan."
According to a government press release, the decision not to proceed with the deal is expected to save Crown Investments Corporation and Saskatchewan taxpayers nearly $100 million.
A Domtar press release said the decision "narrows down Domtar's options regarding the Prince Albert facilities. Consequently, Domtar will terminate all work being done on this project."
Michel Rathier, Domtar's vice-president of corporate communications, said the company is "disappointed in the decision" but understands it.
"We are open to entertaining any new ideas (to get the mill open)," said Rathier.
Prince Albert Carlton Sask. Party MLA Darryl Hickie called the decision "the best deal for the people of Saskatchewan", and added the government is willing to sit down with Domtar "any time to continue the avenue of negotiations."
Furber questioned how the mill could be reopened without government involvement.
"What elements of the business climate are the Saskatchewan Party going to bring to the table (in discussions)?" he asked, adding he also wonders if the hands-off policy will apply in every similar situation.
Don MacNeil, Western Canada vice-president for the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, said he is "totally disappointed, disgusted, (and) angry" with the decision.
"It was, in our opinion, the last chance for that mill," said MacNeil, calling the Saskatchewan Party's promise to get the mill open "a bunch of platitudes.
"We're not going to take this lying down."
Mayor Jim Scarrow said the situation is not only about the hundreds of jobs connected to the mill, but is also "about the future of the community."
Scarrow said he hopes the province will "take a serious look at how Enterprise Saskatchewan can make this work."
Moving forward, the government also needs to be proactive and not just wait for Domtar to make its own proposals for the mill, said Scarrow.
"I want to set the table as being the past is past and let's deal with the future. 'What can your government do that will allow you to maintain your principles and yet maintain an industry?'"
With files from SNN
tseraphim@paherald.sk.ca
Pulp mill deal killed
Herald file photo
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- Published on December 1st, 2007
- Published on November 3rd, 2009
- Theresa Seraphim
The province's decision not to proceed with the memorandum of understanding around the Prince Albert pulp mill is "a devastating blow", according to a new MLA.
"It signals the end of negotiations as they were existing," said Darcy Furber, the MLA for Prince Albert Northcote and NDP member.
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Comments
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- Trish
- - November 18th, 2009
WAh WAh WAh - everyone is complaining about the closure of PA, Carrot River and Hudson Bay - let's not forget about BIG RIVER. Everyone in this province and provinces across Canada have suffered because of the forest industry - it's going to be a downhill slide for awhile so buck up and live with it. This is life. It's going to take a couple if not few years to get back to the forest industry being profitable for Canada so deal with it. I also believe the NDP did the MOU for a political ploy especially when Domtar could not comment on a lot of the news reports from the Task Force. I truly belive this province needed a change of government and I believe the Sask Party is it. I mean they can't do any worse than the NDP can they? People have to stop whining and complaing about what if's and carry on with life. I feel horrible for the people that have to leave this fine province for a job but you can't keep dwelling. And eventually most of those people will return. People have to remember what a wonderful province Saskatchewan is and will always be and know that the real Saskatchewan people will come through as victorious in the end. Big corporations like Domtar don't deserve the people of Saskatchewan, they don't have a clue of the wonderful qualities Saskatchewan people have and I think a lot of people have forgotten too. We will all survive - in time we will be the province of oil, gas, diamonds and forestry - the province of choice and change. Have faith.
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- Kellie
- - November 18th, 2009
As a taxpayer, I am glad Wall axed the deal with Domtar. It was financially irresponsible to invest more money into the sinking pulp and paper market. Hope Brad Wall continues to dismantle all the other money-losing NDP schemes.
As for you whiners....if you can't handle progress and prosperity, move to another province. Sask. is going to be a happening place and we have no need for those loving mediocrity and living large on government handouts! -
- megan
- - November 18th, 2009
i dont see what everyone is fighting about. mill closures are happening ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY! not just in PA.
its dead. its sad yes, it has made people move out of the province. but its gone. this is like beating a dead horse with a stick -
- mark
- - November 18th, 2009
REGINA - The prospect of the Prince Albert Pulp Mill reopening has became much less likely, forestry company Domtar said Friday after the new Saskatchewan Party government axed a deal between the company and the NDP to get the shuttered mill operating again.
Mr. Wall,
The above excerpt is from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix. As you well know I am sure. I am writing this from Vancouver, where our province is also feeling the mill closure effect brought on simply because we Canadians have allowed American owners to do as they wish with our resources and our jobs.
The city of Prince Albert will now thanks to your new government lose the base for over 900 Saskatchewan tax payers in dire need of real jobs. Jobs which can sustain and reflect the drastic increase in the cost of living we are all experiencing across this great country. I personally know 10 men who thanks to your decision have lost all hope for a future in their home city. They, as did I in 1986 will need to explore leaving Saskatchewan to forge a new method of earning a decent living. This is notch number one in your path to the destruction of life in our home province.
You spoke of P-3's (public-private investment) in your campaign. I would like to know what the difference is between a P-3 you and your government organize versus one that was negotiated by the previous government? There is no difference. Again the victims of politics are the 900 men and women in Prince Albert, and the spending power their decent wages would have provided the many businesses in the city of P.A. That is criminal. Mr. Wall, the P.A. pulp mill is not only viable, it is a necessity to the many citizens who rely on it's off shoots for income. Truckers, fuel providers, chemical companies and utility providers will all be shorted profit because of this decision. Yes Mr. Wall, the very crown's you say you will not touch will even have some effect by this decision. Less customers equal less income.... it then equals someone else will have to fill the gap created by poor decision making.
Domtar and the Saskatchewan government had a chance to sustain a future for not only people, but also industry in the north of the province. You and your party have blown it bigtime! I can not help but have pity for 900 men and women and their families in Prince Albert!
Perhaps you have other plans for the old mill in Prince Albert Saskatchewan? I imagine the country needs another Country and Western museum or yet another casino instead!
Mark Shyluk, Saskatchewan born- and proud of it! -
- Kicker
- - November 18th, 2009
Just wait till the Sask Party comes back and kick every one in the butt!!! looks like they already have!!!
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- RICK
- - November 18th, 2009
WHEN THE NDP MADE THAT STUPID PLAN TO REOPEN THE MILL THEY KNEW THEY HAD BURNING TAIL FEATHERS. I THINK THE ONLY THING GOOD THAT WOULD HAVE CAME OUT OF REOPENING THE MILL IS THEY COULD OF FILLED THE FORESTRY CENTER WITH GOVERNMENT JOBS. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD ENOUGH IN THE EYES OF NDPEERS. THERE ARE LOTS OF JOBS OUT THERE, MIND YOU THEY DON'T USUALLY PAY $40 PER HOUR TO CHANGE LIGHT BULBS ON OVERTIME CALLBACKS OR HAVE YOUR OWN SPECIAL JOB OF CHANGING PRINTER PAPER , COME ON YOU ALL KNOW THE UNION SUNK THAT PLACE GIVE THEM THERE DUE CREDIT. IF IT'S VIABLE I'M SURE IT WILL OPEN , IF IT'S NOT WHY OPEN IT.
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- Deb
- - November 18th, 2009
Kris; you have to spend money to make money? that is the role of private business. gov should spend money on infrastructure and the basics, not on potatoes or pulp.
And remember when Weyco wanted to spend millions ot have a huge co-gen plant? and how the NDP opposed (both Cody and SaskPower) becasue only the Crown can make electricity!!!
let's get a positive business climate, losing teh NDP was a big start, and things will take off. -
- Kicker
- - November 18th, 2009
The last paragraph clearly stipulates the meddelsom conclusion of ones own opinion, but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof!
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- john
- - November 18th, 2009
I think it was the right decision for the government to cancel the deal with Domtar. I don't think any company that's not a crown corporation deserves a 100 million dollar grant. Domtar is big enough to start up on their own and if it were to be a profitable and successful business it would have been up and running by now. What's done is done. Let's get on with our lives.
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- Epsi
- - November 18th, 2009
So the socialist journalists at the Herald have erased all comments on the later two pulp mill News stories and have stopped all further comments on them.
I think this is because they hate the fact that most commentators disagree with their naivist approach to business and political realities. They hate the fact that their pulp mill poll shows those against corporate welfare tax handouts are in the majority versus those in favour of wasting taxes by a factor of nearly 2 to 1.
I encourage everyone to spend a little time Googling the ownership structure of this socialist paper.
You will see that they are owned by Transcontinental Media, a 100% subsidiary of the Quebec owned Transcontinental Inc.
The head office is located on Rene Levesque Street of all places in Montreal. The senior executive are all Quebecers. And among the board members is one Lucien Bouchard. You all remember him, the traitor and separatist who used the threat of separation to siphon billions of Canadian tax dollars via corrupt Liberal governments through dubious projects like the billion dollar boondoggle at HRDC, Chretien's business associate who owned the Auberge Grande Mere, dubious grants to Bombardier and of course, the now infamous Adscam.
Quebec and eastern establishments are not interested in reflecting Saskatchewan and prairie perspectives and values of independence, entrepreneurship, determination, hard work, freedom and community building. They are more interested in spreading their own toxic philosophy of socialism, getting money for nothing, political manupulation, envy, nanny-state reliance and destroying our traditional and local values and institutions.
They do not reflect your opinion. Do not trust them nor the foreign opinions that corrupt the ethics so hard won by ourselves and our settler ancestors in this beautiful frozen prairie land.
Epsi -
- art
- - November 18th, 2009
It's too bad this mill is still viable even at a par dollar, if the government allowed co-generation. They killed the last deal thru their mismanagement. The government wants to study to the nth degree and business wants to get at it... snooze you loose. By the way your picture contains a misnomer in the discription. It is not smoke, it is predominantly steam
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- stefan
- - November 18th, 2009
OH My God I am so tired of hearing this same old cry me a river bull-s***. People better get a grip on things,,,there are Mills closing down all over the place in this province, not just PA. Even in small towns like Hudson Bay and Carrot River where that is the only means of Employment. The Markets aren't doing it to keep these Mill's open, and why do I want my tax dollars to go to support a Mill that probally will not afford to stay open if the Markets don't get better. It is bad enough that my Tax money go's to Welfare junkies of this province that don't want to make a living like everyone else. We as a Province need to get more industries like oil and gas. The is just as much Oil here in Sask than there is in Alberta. Hopefully the diamond Mine takes Off, and creates jobs as well. We need more than the forest Industry in this province. The Housing market is so stupid in Saskatchewan, and people can't even afford to by a home because the wages, and jobs aren't here. Sorry being a young person starting out I can't afford a $1500 mortage, with they cost of living, And I have a very good government Job. So what do you think someone making min wage is expected to do. Maybe ponder that for a bit.
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- Bill
- - November 18th, 2009
If private enterprise cannot make a profit why would the government even entertain the idea of reopening the mill? I believe that the NDP made a political move in the MOU and I'm convinced the mill would never reopen regardless of the monies promised. Why would I, as a taxpayer, want more of my tax dollars pissed away in a pipe dream. Look at Meadow Lake... And if the mill wasn't feasible with a 76 cent dollar, it's even less viable with the dollar at par. I think the SK Party had it right even if it means 350 jobs don't happen here. I'd rather see the government look at putting the money into the oilsands or uranium, or for that matter agriculture as these industries are more sustainable in the long run.
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- Steve
- - November 18th, 2009
I wonder if Wall's convictions would have been as strong if this industry was based in S'Toon, Regina or his hometown of Swift Current? Hickie was elected to represent the best interests of this community...not regurgitate the philosophy of detached burecrats in Regina. Time to step up to the plate, Darryl.
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- human
- - November 18th, 2009
i'm so glad we have Brad Wall...a least he and all his supporters know,that if he said yes to reopening the mills with goverment money.it would be like writing candy coated welfare cheques.
Plus,if you own your own buisness like we do,i don't think i can phone the goverment to pad my paycheck..oh,wait maybe you can if you live in sask......and vote NDP. -
- jim
- - November 18th, 2009
Good for you Brad Wall, you have done the right thing for the people of Saskatchewan. Thankyou .
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- Deb
- - November 18th, 2009
AThe MOU with Domtar was never more than an election gimmick;
I wish the government would tell us how much was spent on the forestry secretariat, and what the union and domtar got out of this. -
- Al
- - November 19th, 2009
You would think the self centered people of PA would look to the west a few hours (Meadow Lake Pulp) and see what government involvement in the pulp industry does for the rest of the province. I believe that the new government made the right choice. I worked at Meadow Lake Pulp and when the government finally sold their share the taxpayers lost millions. Putting millions into the PA pulpmill would be like a rerun of a bad movie (Meadow Lake Pulp Act 2)
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- Fustrated
- - November 19th, 2009
My family lives in PA and I was raised there. My family and I are happy with the government's decision. I am fustrated with all the wining for the poor mill workers. I am sorry that you lost your cosy job but crap happens. For those of you who have forgotten and those you do not know let me bring you back to the mid-1980's. With no warning after getting an award for their performance the PA Molson Brewery was closed. No one was crying are cared about any of those people. Oh, our wonderful government in PA area said that the workers would get jobs at the new mill openning up. NEVER HAPPENNED and because of that so called promise NO ONE wanted to hire any of them. May like ours had a family to support. Those works got no support from the PEOPLE OF PA so you can cry all you want but get over it. Life is life and sometimes you get dealt a blow.
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- Epsi
- - November 19th, 2009
Were this mill in Alberta, the same decision would have been made. And yes, God Bless Alberta!
Epsi -
- Fustrated
- - November 19th, 2009
CVR, I could sling insults at you too simply because I disagree, but I am more mature than that. Look up cozy in the dictionary because it isn't even close to meaning lazy. I don't doubt that the people at the mill worked extremely hard. And yes I am employed it what would also be considered a cozy job. Unlike many I know that there is a good chance I will have a job next month and be working the same full time hours. I don't have to worry if I am sick on day and can't work that I will not have enough money to to pay my bills. As for you how thing about welfare rats, never having worked and PA becoming a scum hole. I think you need to grow up and get a life. Look up the welfare rates, very few people stay on welfare because they want to. That is a wide spread misconception that did not change when the welfare programs changed years ago. Most people who receive welfare have a medical issue that is keeping them from working but does not qualify them for any disabilities since if the waiting lists weren't so long the could get the treatment they need to recover. That or they are waiting to receive their EI, were laid off with no warning and don't qualify for EI, or their employer's cheque bounces. The days of welfare paying for everything ended a while ago. Look up what they issue because may surprise you that a single person with a child would only receive $255 for their rent and utilities and the total that they would be issued to pay their rent utilities, buy food and meet all their needs is $725. Just because the mill closed does not mean the end of PA. The city and area has alot more going for it then that they just need to start taking advantage of what they got. PA has survived many closures burns, molson's, the dairy (to name a few). PA can survive the closure of the mill and come out the other side ahead of the game as long as they invest in places that will profit the city and are sustainable.
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- Lorrie
- - November 19th, 2009
Like any other business (in regards to the PA Pulp and Paper Mill) when you have to add money into it to make it run, then there is a problem - much like the Meadow Lake Mill. Did we forget that the NDP government put in 880 million dollars of Sask. tax payers money! and in return then sold it for 34 million. People do the math! If your business can't make it on it's own - then a business decision must be made - as Mr. Wall did. I too am formerly from Prince Albert, and had to make a decision when the PA mill shut down, I have moved on,
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- Brent
- - November 19th, 2009
notice how many people have lots to do? But sit at the computer, hitting refresh on the daily herald website to see who wrote what?
One or 2 comments is more than enough people. There is more to life than this. Expressing your opinion, or having a comment is great, but arguing? Grow up people and get a life -
- LEASON
- - November 19th, 2009
WAY TO GO MR. WALL . I GUESS WELL WAIT AND SEE WHAT THE FUTURE WILL BRING TO THE TOWNS AND PEOPLE OF THE CLOSED MILLS.THANKS FOR NOTHING IN ADVANCE.
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- KRIS
- - November 19th, 2009
Well it has been a week and we are already regretting the Sask Party goverment.
You have to spend money to make money, and now 600 tax payers will never come back.
Thanks alot Wall and Hickey. Apparently you can't be picky when you vote for Hickey. -
- Stan
- - November 19th, 2009
We should pour how ever many tax dollars it takes to keep the mill open. Maybe a hundred million isn't enough, maybe we should throw a billion dollars into the mill to keep those jobs and keep that business open. Now I'm not sure where all that money will come from, but I suspect we would have to raise taxes on the other businesses in the province. And when those high taxes drive those businesses into financial difficulty, we'll just pour more billions into those companies. And where will all those tax dollars come from? Why we'll just increase the taxes again!
Or maybe we should quit destroying viable businesses and jobs and let the economics, not the politics, have the decide the issue. -
- fustrated
- - November 19th, 2009
Well Lynn I am sorry I guess someone was lucky enough to have gotten a job at the mill. But ask that family member if many others did. My husband worked at the mill for almost 10 years and kept in touch with many of his co-workers and our kids were friends. None of them go a job at the mill and we all stuggled since no one wanted to hire them. One owner of a gas station told my husband out right that he would not hire someone who was only going to stay untill they got their job at the mill. I would also like to point out that the MLA at time was running again a few years back. When his office called to ask for my support and asked why my answer was no I told them because my husband had worked at Molson's. They said oh I see and hung up. Your family member was one of the very lucky ones and I am sorry I was wrong by saing NO ONE. However, my facts may have not been 100% correct and maybe a few were lucky enough to get hired right away but the majority of us struggled for a few years after the closure and that is a fact because I was one of them.
As for empathy, we have that, I feel terrible for anyone who is left without a job because a business closes. What I do not agree or have empathy for is the idea that the government should spend tax dollars on a money lossing investment so that they can have their jobs back. The mill is closed, life goes on. I feel sorry that you are in that situation of having to try to find other work and support your families but why should our tax dollars get wasted. I am tired of hearing all the the government needs to do what ever to get the mill reopenned in PA. Everyone seems to forget that closures have happenned in the past and the city has survived. Plus, it you start with the PA mill then where does it end. Lets but tax money into the PA mill because it was not making money, but what about all the other mills. Then there are all the business that shut there doors because they are lossing money or not making what they could somewhere else. Are we going to through tax dollars away there to? It would never end and taxes/debt would go sky high because it would all be invested in non-profit businesses. I have empathy but am fustrated and tired of hearing about the need for the government to get the PA mill running. In the mean time their are many people out there out of work looking for jobs, including people in mills all over the place. Where is the empathy for them and why should the money go into something that was not making money rather than putting it towards something that would create jobs for people and make money so the province can be in better shape rather than worse. I know many people disagree with this but I do not feel it is right or fair to help the PA mill and leave everyone else in the province in the same situation in the dust. Where is the empathy in that? -
- JoPoor
- - November 19th, 2009
Seems I have nothing else better to do at the moment but to throw my two cents into this as well on both discussion pages.
I really have no problem with whatever is decided regarding the fate of the P.A. pulp mill as long as the parties involved have made an INTELLIGENT and well thought out decision.
And they must do it fast! No five year task studies!
There is much to be considered!
Only some are:
What is Domtars position? Do they have to make a HUGE profit before it is deemed viable?
Are they soon to sell off to another multi-national?
Are the workers and union ready to BEHAVE and accept contracts acceptable to the company, government, and us average tax payers as well?
Has anyone done a projected study of what an operation like this has in it`s future...meaning beyond five years?
If after 5 years things are seen to take a FOR SURE turn around...I myself see a case for Gov. involvement.
In this time period as well are the workers willing to accept less?
To let the infrastructure of an operation to be sold off or mothballed or demolished seems like a huge waste if something cannot be done.
For what is gone is GONE!
If after all is carefully thought out it TRULY is deemed that the money spent vs. the jobs, tax-base, etc. has no hope at all at seeing any return...then P.A. Pulp Mill I bid you ADIEU! -
- Dennis
- - November 19th, 2009
If these mills, including the Pulp Mill and the ones in Hudson Bay and Carrot River are not sustainable on their own, why should the government inject millions into them? That is only delaying the inevitable. If the dollar at par, world markets or any other factors do not lend the opportunity for a business to be viable on it's own, then it's time to move on. If we are relying on the government to ensure that these mills can start up or keep running for who knows how long, what is the difference then being on welfare or waiting around for a handout? Either they are viable or not. Just my opinion.
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- Nadine
- - November 19th, 2009
I for one have seen what mill closures can do to a community and families. Meadow Lake thrives on the wood industry. They have numerous lay offs and there is talk of full closure at NorSask. WE have lost revenue for the last 6 mths. We are lease operators that haul the wood to the mills. We don't have unemployment to fall back on til we find ano0ther job. I feel for the people of PA and their families but no one can tell what is coming in the future. We are now hauling crude oil. As of today I have my telephone hooked up again. 1 month ago I felt like the world was ganging up on us. Things do get better, even it is just a little bit at a time.
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- Jillian
- - November 19th, 2009
I don't think reopening the mill was an election gimmick!!!! This was a great opportunity for Prince Albert to become what it was before!!! The ink wasn't even dry on the paper for the new Premier and he threw out every ones hope for a better future! Every one talks about better jobs in Alberta and nothing here in Saskatchewan!! So the why in the heck did the Sask Party do this? Because we mean nothing to the Sask Party! They got what they wanted and now their in office. Now I will continue on with my job in Fort Mac and pull excellent wages from Alberta, instead of staying home here in Prince Albert, with the Mill. Travelling back and forth and leaving my family when I could've been home every night. Its just blatant out right hate to say its an election ploy, cause alot of peoples living was based on this decision. But now I really welcome Alberta and what it has to offer, cause they are way better off!!
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- Zeke
- - November 20th, 2009
For one, I am glad to see the Government not risk $100 million on this venture. The real reason our mill is closed is due to world economics. Pulp, paper and dimensional items can be produced at a fraction of the cost in countries such as Brazil, India and other third world countries by companies such as Domtar, Weyerhauser etc. As long as we want our rrsp portfolios to increase, these corporate welfare bums at home muat make greater profit margins abaord... Our governments have entered into GTO agreements that our slowly distroying our econmic fabric (including cattle, hogs, grains).
Mr. Furber should not follow his father-in-laws lead as a poitician. As a young leader for PA, he should be willing to help find a solution and not only whine when it does not go his way.
PA, since the mill has closed, housing prices have risen, personnel incomes per captia are higher and there is a good vibe in the air about PA's and Saskatchewan's future. The sky didn't fall when Burn's cllosed, or when North Park Center Closed, nor when the PA Pulp and Paper Mill Closed. The only difference between the first two and the mill, is that the Mill is still standing. Remember there are other mills shut down in Ontario and Quebec whoses pockets are much deeper then ours. Put the 100 Million down on the debt created by Mr. Furber's former employer (the government) and in the end it would be more beneficial for all our us. -
- Rick
- - November 20th, 2009
That a boy Mr. Wall if I was talking to your face it wouldn't be Mr. Wall. How can you just scrap the deal without even talking to Domtar to see what can be changed. Iam sure they were prepared to make some changes but now you have to start from square one again. So now if the mill would reopen this just prolongs the process and you lose more ex workers to other companies who now will say the heck with it and not come back.
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- Lynn
- - November 20th, 2009
Well frustrated from AB, maybe you should get your facts correct before you make a comment.
I am one person who knows first hand what you are talking about. A member of my family worked at Burns and had to go through the closing of that plant. Only to get a job at Molson's Brewery and have that plant close, and then got a job at the mill. Oh wait...didn't you say that NO ONE wanted to hire any of them. Well I guess you are wrong. This member of my family did not think that the job was cosy as you say. They know first hand how much stress and heartache a plant closure can bring. Not one day did any members of my family take the job for granted. So help me understand why if your family went through a plant closure can you have no empathy for any other workers facing the same situation. -
- Steve
- - November 20th, 2009
This idea of dumping endless dollars into mediocre business ventures is nothing new to this province. I hope the Sask Party adopts this policy straight across the board, no exceptions. Any farmers out there?
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- Curt
- - November 20th, 2009
Typical Saskatchewan left-wing thinking; Let the government do it for us. Good on the Sask. Party to pull the plug. Let business do business and the government make laws. Create a positive business environment and Domtar has more than enough resources to open the mill on its own. I've been in Alberta for almost 5 years and behaviour like this just confirms why I'm NEVER going back to my home province. People are backwards thinkers.
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- Deb
- - November 20th, 2009
Kicker, how old are you?
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- Don
- - November 20th, 2009
The mill would NOT have opened even if the NDP still governed. The above posts have provided sound arguments for why this mill's operation would be infeasible. There really is not much to debate -- the new govt did the right thing.
Let's see what uneducated people are saying! :
Domtar and the Saskatchewan government had a chance to sustain a future for not only people, but also industry in the north of the province. You and your party have blown it bigtime! I can not help but have pity for 900 men and women and their families in Prince Albert!
Here's what really happened:
Mr Wall: Hello, Domtar? Yeah, remember how the NDP said they'd risk 100 million $ of taxpayers' money on the PA pulp mill? Yeah, that's not going to happen. If you want to risk YOUR money, however, be our guest. We will charge you some minor royalties, and 300 Prince Albertans will have jobs. Everybody will win!
Domtar: But--- WE don't want to risk that kind of money! There's a good chance that this mill won't be profitable! Then we would be out 100 million dollars!
Mr Wall: Fascinating.
Domtar: If you're not going to risk millions to get this money-losing mill open, then WE would have to! Screw that!
Mr Wall: I do impressions. This is my impression of me hanging up on you.
DOmtar: ?
Mr Wall: click
Let's backtrack two months. Here's what happened:
Mr Calvert news release: We are going to invest taxpayers' money, and the mill will be profitable and running in 2008!
Domtar news release: Umm, actually the mill probably won't open for years after that. Even with 100 million $. Sure, pulp has gone up in price, but it will take time to organize shipping to China. AND, pulp prices may fluctuate, so don't get ahead of yourself.
Mr Calvert: You keep quiet! We're trying to win an election! You come up with another news release NOW, or consider our 100 million $ gone!
Domtar news release: Ahem, yeah, we did some thinking, and yeah, we'll have that pulp mill open and cutting down trees in no time! -
- Deb
- - November 20th, 2009
Hey Norm, I agree, and for the same reasons, I hope that the gov of Sk signs a MOU with Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory beofre Christmas.
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- Kicker
- - November 20th, 2009
Old enough to know better? jello? why are the words too big to undertstand????
This is my opinion, and there are somethings you say that I don't like? Some people seem to think they are the only ones on this site who are right! Well there are two sides to every coin. Obviously age has everything to do with dusty old opinions, but this is 2007 soon to be 2008 times change and we're not getting any younger.
But some people seem to think I'm pretty young which as I am, but like I said old enough to know better! :) But this whole debate is not aboume its about the MIll lets not forget what were talking about here! quit trying to pick menial arguments..Lol -
- Deb
- - November 20th, 2009
they did such a terrible job with spudco; 40 mil lost, lies told. they built a forestry centre; that is half empty. they could not be trusted, and spending 100 mil of tax payers dollars, to start, may have been good politics, but terrible business.
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- Tanmmy
- - November 20th, 2009
Lol !!! boy some people just don't have anything nice to say!!! But that was a good one kicker one kicker!!!
The mill is closed and will probably stay closed! get over it and live life like we have since it closed! All the announcement did was get peoples hopes up for nothing! so carry on the way we have cause nothing will change!! -
- Epsi
- - November 20th, 2009
$100 million tax welfare check to Domtar equals $170,000 per job. And as we know from Meadow Lake this baloons quite quickly to nearly $1 billion with the next threat to shut the mill down.
Better to give each employee $50,000 and a sledge hammer and knock the thing into the ground so that it can never be resurrected again by socialist governments.
Epsi -
- norm
- - November 20th, 2009
Things to ponder
-The thousands of jobs it would of created..... $$$ money for the goverment ( local and provincial)
-Keep people in the province
- MOU was set up with an escape clause
for the goverment
-Help with the environment ( selling power on the grid
-Get these mills ready for the next market upswing.....profits
-Domtar was investing millions
-Mr Hickie suppose to represent the people of PA. Ironic how he quickly forgot where he came from........Yep, give me a call in four years Darryl. This is the best deal for the people of Saskatchewan.....give your head a shake -
- Dave
- - November 20th, 2009
There is no doubt that the MOU was a political move on the NDP side. Even when it happened Domtar called the governments bluff and said that they would look at it, but wouldnt promise anything. If it ever did happen, there would be no more than 300 jobs created, with no one saying that it would be on a permanent basis. The sustainabilty of that business just is not possible with the market the way it is right now. Bill said it right with why would I want my tax dollars pissed away in a pipe dream? . Just like everyone else, I was excited for this development, but you have to see it for what it was, not for what you wanted it to be. Give this part of the country 2 to 3 years and something will happen. We are sitting on a rocket ship, we just need the government to light the match.
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- ron
- - November 20th, 2009
Ten years from now there will be still those who are waiting for a mill to re-open. What in the earth are you waiting for. When you pull plugs out from underneath you find something to replace it!
Interesting after the mill in closed in PA, Weyerhauser announced the same spending in Grande Prairie(co-generation Plant). Why would it invest in Alberta and not PA?
Seven months many said they would go on strike before the closure. Why didn't you negotiate to keep it going instead of threatening to go on strike?
The NDP claims victory in revamping the re-opening of the mill. But, yet when the same paln to build a co-generation plant to be built in PA was not agreed upon(conflict with SK power for putting excess power in the grid), they said no.
Over 100 new jobs were going to be of a benefit to the city plus new construction but because of lack of foresight everbody said no!
Why are you not creating new opportunities when old ones pass away?
Look to the future and not to the past?
That's why we moved, tired of waiting for people to get it! -
- CVR
- - November 20th, 2009
Lynn...thank you. Frustrated...do you know what it is like to have a job or are you on welfare?? Cosy job at the mill...are you crazy? Do you not think that people that worked there worked hard? Grow up and get a life! Prince Albert will get what it deserves...low paying jobs, welfare rats...and the reputation that it deserves...scum hole!!
