Press Release
Local MP John Rafferty, who also is the NDP’s forestry critic, yesterday expressed disappointment and frustration in the announced layoffs at AbitibiBowater’s Fort Frances pulp and paper mill—and at the Harper government’s inaction throughout the prolonged forestry crisis.
“This layoff is a great blow for workers at the Fort Frances mill, their families, and for the rest of the town that depends on the operations at the mill,” Rafferty said.
“The workers should know that my office is open and ready to help them and their families gain access to federal assistance during this period,” he added.
The 650 layoffs at the mill are the second round in just the past three months.
Rafferty also expressed frustration and anger with the Harper government’s lack of action for the industry and affected families throughout the prolonged crisis.
“Forestry is in its own six-plus year recession and tens of thousands of families have been affected by this crisis,” he said. “How can this government offer more than $4 billion to the auto sector and just $170 million for the forestry sector?”
Rafferty also was deeply concerned about the lack of assistance for families affected by the forestry crisis.
“It’s not right to make families wait two weeks before submitting an E.I. claim, and then wait weeks more benefits to flow,” he argued. “They should have fixed this loophole a long time ago.”
Rafferty said he remains committed to helping the affected workers in the riding and the forestry sector at the national level.
