News Release Archive

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Westray Response Committee
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The province is committed to a timely evaluation and response on
the Westray inquiry report released in Stellarton today, Dec. 1,
by Justice Peter Richard.

Premier Russell MacLellan today announced the establishment of a
cabinet committee to respond to the report and recommendations of
the Westray mine public inquiry.

"The Westray report is a priority with this government," said the
premier. "We are committed to a thorough and thoughtful review
and response."

The committee is chaired by Don Downe, Minister of Transportation
and Public Works, and includes Housing and Municipal Affairs
Minister Guy Brown, Justice Minister Alan Mitchell, Labour
Minister Gerald O'Malley and Natural Resources Minister Ken
MacAskill.   

Mr. Downe was in Stellarton to receive the report on behalf of
government. "We owe it to the families, the miners and all Nova
Scotians to provide answers and take action very quickly," said
Mr. Downe. "We will give the issues serious attention and serious
review."  

He indicated that a preliminary plan for dealing with the
report's recommendations will be announced before Christmas.

In May 1992, 26 miners were killed in an explosion at the Westray
coal mine, operated by Curragh Resources Inc. of Toronto. The
government of then-premier Donald Cameron commissioned the
Westray inquiry to examine the cause of the disaster and make
recommendations. 

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Contact: Peter MacLellan
         Office of the Premier
         902-424-3750
         E-mail: macleldp@gov.ns.ca

         Jennifer MacIsaac
         902-424-3219
         E-mail: macisaja@gov.ns.ca 

NOTE TO EDITORS: Mr. Downe will be available for comment in
Stellarton today. He will also make a brief statement in the
legislature at 7 p.m. 

gam                       Dec. 1, 1997              11:10 a.m.