Staff
Premier Kathleen Wynne says the province will do what it can to help get the kraft mill restarted here.
“I recognize the benefits that such a deal could bring to your community,” she wrote in a letter to Mayor Roy Avis, which officially was received by town council at its regular meeting last night.
“Our government is committed to the forestry industry, and to preserving and creating jobs in Northern Ontario,” the premier stressed.
“While the final decision on the possible purchase and restart of the Fort Frances facility ultimately rests with Resolute and Expera, we are prepared to facilitate discussions with both companies in an attempt to secure a positive outcome for the people of Fort Frances and surrounding Rainy River District,” she noted.
Wynne noted Mayor Avis had sent copies of his correspondence to her colleagues, Natural Resources and Forestry minister Bill Mauro and Northern Development and Mines minister Michael Gravelle.
And she has asked Mauro to respond to Mayor Avis directly in greater detail.
“I wish to assure you that our government will continue working with forestry businesses to strengthen their competitiveness and to help create long-term prosperity in Northern Ontario communities,” Wynne said.
“Please accept my best wishes.”
Mayor Avis said yesterday he feels “the government is committed to trying to get a restart of the mill,” but admitted that, as Wynne said, the decision ultimately lies with the two companies.
