News Release Archive
PREMIER--VIOLENCE NOT THE ANSWER ----------------------------------------------------------------- It is "upsetting" that what should have been a peaceful labour protest in Sydney Monday ultimately led to the destruction of private property, Premier John Savage said today. The premier was commenting on a demonstration at a Sydney work site in which a seniors home under construction was burned down. Premier Savage said, "The timing of today's incident is unfortunate. The provincial government is working hard to attract new investment to Cape Breton as well as negotiating the possible sale of Sydney Steel. "People have the right to demonstrate. But they don't have the right to destroy private property in the process. Ninety-nine percent of Cape Bretoners are law-abiding. But it takes just a handful of militants to give the whole area a bad name." He pleaded for "calm and understanding" in the wake of today's unfortunate incident. "I'm very much aware of the frustration caused by continuing high unemployment in Cape Breton. But the community as a whole must play a big part in finding solutions. It won't happen over night. We must all be patient." Premier Savage pledged his continued support for a cooperative effort between government, business and labour in order to find long-term solutions to Cape Breton's unemployment problems. -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 jlw Feb. 24, 1997 5:15 p.m.