Dear editor:
The executive of the Seniors Retirees Against Pension and Elder Abuse (SRAPEA) read with great interest the article in last Wednesday’s Times regarding the meeting MP John Rafferty and MPP Sarah Campbell had with Richard Garneau, CEO of Resolute Forest Products Ltd., and his associate, John Valley.
What was of great importance to us was Mr. Garneau’s statements relating to his concerns with the future economic viability of the Fort Frances mill—and possibly new opportunities for the mill and this community once the research has been completed.
The pension solvency issue and pension survivability for all retirees and surviving spouses also was mentioned, with Mr. Garneau stating his personal commitment to ensure the pensions of all mill employees, retirees, and surviving spouses, is and will be protected.
Based on this good news, we are asking town council to extend a personal invite to Mr. Garneau and Mr. Valley to discuss the many issues facing this community as a result of the shutdown of the kraft mill and #5 paper machine.
We suggest this meeting include, but not be limited to, members of town council, Mr. Rafferty, Ms. Campbell, SRAPEA, the local Chamber of Commerce and BIA, mill union executives, Geoff Gillon, and other interested stakeholders and parties as council sees fit.
This meeting—to be called in Fort Frances—should be held A.S.A.P. to solidify comments in Toronto that affect this community, which Mr. Garneau states he is committed to.
We believe a cordial meeting, with a set agenda, is needed, which would allow ample time for a healthy discussion, with significant input and participation by the affected stakeholders, to get answers to complex matters that have a major impact not only on these major stakeholders but also on this community and Rainy River District.
I would suggest a full day or two be set aside so a healthy discussion can take place without restrictions being placed on the parties because of time.
The benefit of the meeting in Fort Frances is clear. It allows all stakeholders to partake in major issues which affect them directly, which otherwise would be lost if the mayor or a delegation of council were to go to Toronto, Montreal, or elsewhere to meet with Mr. Garneau.
The other benefit is that we should be conserving as much tax dollars as possible given our economic instability at the moment—and the fact the company can well afford to come here.
There are many issues at play here which are huge, complex, and all encompassing. Each stakeholder should have a role to play in this meeting, which is clearly bigger than just what a singular stakeholder represents.
We, therefore, are asking mayor and council to agree to set up this community meeting A.S.A.P., and call upon all stakeholders to prepare topics for the community agenda.
Anticipating a positive response, we await the town’s written reply A.S.A.P.
Yours truly,
Allan T. Bedard
Chair, SRAPEA
Fort Frances, Ont.
