NDP leader and local MPP Howard Hampton is asking the minister of Northern Development and Mines to become actively involved in finding a positive and successful resolution to the problems at the Abitibi-Consolidated paper mill in Kenora.
Hampton had met with Dan Newman a week ago to raise the issues and challenges facing the mill there.
He also raised the problems caused by the increased cost of electricity at the Kenora mill with Energy minister Jim Wilson in the Legislature a few weeks ago.
“The government of Ontario has declared its intention to sell off and deregulate Ontario’s hydro electricity system,” Hampton said.
“Other jurisdictions like California and Alberta have already tried the deregulated and privatized electricity system and have seen electricity costs increase dramatically both for industry and homeowners,” he noted.
Hampton was in Kenora yesterday and today to meet with union leaders, officials from Abitibi-Consolidated, and with municipal reps.
Hampton stressed in a letter yesterday to Newman that it is absolutely imperative the Ontario government come to the table with some proposals to deal with the increased cost of energy and electricity at the Kenora mill.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
