Bowater: Dexter Appoints Response Team

Its another avenue to help those affected by the Bowater closure. Premier Darrell Dexter has announced the creation of a provincial response team. The team is expected to bring expertise and resources from across government to get the support and services for people who need them. Dexter says it is a top priority for government and the province is committed to do what it takes to see the community and industry through a very tough time. The team is led by Jeff Larsen, executive director of investment and trade in the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, and Allan Eddy, senior director with the Department of Natural Resources. It will also include resources from the departments of Labour and Advanced Education, Natural Resources, Community Services, Energy and Nova Scotia Business Inc. The team will support transition advisor Ron Smith, who was appointed earlier this week to help communities impacted by the Bowater mill closing. The response team will focus on three key areas:

• Community Adjustment: Help community, workers and businesses through transition. Increase and diversify the local skills base.
• Economic Diversification: Identify growth opportunities in key sectors. Implement strategies to attract investment and create jobs. Support entrepreneurship.
• Forestry Transition and Supply Chain: Pursue opportunities to support the forestry sector. Transition regional forestry sector and supply chain. Identify short, medium and long term opportunities for forestry innovation.

 The team will also meet with the forestry sector to discuss immediate needs. The province is also gathering information on the 500,000 acres of land for sale by Resolute.