NDP on the Attack Over Forestry

Forestry was a hot topic at Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill this week.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton continued to question why the province has not offered Abitibi-Bowater similar restructuring funding given to Chrysler Canada.
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield says the province provided more than $150-million to the forestry company prior to its bankruptcy filing and is still helping them restructure.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty attacked the Conservatives for not providing assistance to small businesses and suppliers impacted by the bankruptcy filings of both Abitibi-Bowater and Buchanan Forest Products.
Rafferty says many businesses have been short-changed by both companies.
He notes the forestry crisis has crippled workers, pensioners and communities.