More Resources Available for People Affected by Bowater Closure

The province is making more resources available to people who are dealing with the aftermath of the Bowater mill closure.

The province has hired a community navigator to assist people trying to access government resources and has opened a community office in Liverpool. The community navigator is available by calling toll-free 1-855-354-2612 or by visiting 7 Henry Hensey Dr., Liverpool.

A new website, www.novascotia.ca/bowatertransition, contains information about training and business development opportunities while a new e-mail address, bowatertransition@gov.ns.ca, provides another opportunity for residents to get answers.

"This issue remains a top priority for government and we are committed to local communities and local businesses," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. "We continue to take steps and look at short- and long-term opportunities. Our goal is to create good jobs and help build a stable economy."

The province also sent a direct mail flyer to residences in Shelburne, Queens, Annapolis and Lunenburg counties. The flyer contains contact information for local community business development corporations, career counselling and training offices, regional development authorities, provincial government offices and about the Transition Advisory Committee, led by adviser Ron Smith.

"The closure of the Bowater mill has been a major blow to workers and their families," said Mr. Smith. "We are making every effort to assist people to find the help they need and to encourage them to make the call or send an email. There are people available who want to help."

These latest steps follow a number of initiatives by the province to support workers and families, including:

• a $250,000 program to help workers find new jobs, jointly funded by the province and Resolute
• an additional $1.5 million from Nova Scotia for silviculture efforts, keeping workers employed in the woods
• a provincial investment of $1 million to help private woodlot owners, including those in Queens County and the South Shore, build and maintain woodlot roads.