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| Last updated at 8:51 AM on 19/07/07 |
Premier brings optimism to Corner Brook 
industry
CLIFF WELLS
Transcontinental Media-Corner Brook
Despite the devastating blows of a wallboard plant closure and a machine shutdown at Corner Brook's pulp mill in recent weeks, Premier Danny Williams feels a surge of optimism in the economies of the city and province.
Williams was in the region for Corner Brook Day celebrations Wednesday. He said the atmosphere in the city is tremendous.
"If this had happened to this community four years ago, everybody'd be depressed, everybody'd be down," the premier said. "This community, I think, is as pumped up as I've ever seen it. Sure these two instances are not good.
"I think a good example is if you look at the Lafarge employees, they've come out with their heads up. They've accepted the fact that there's a downturn in this industry. I think each and every one of them realize with all the growth and economic opportunity that's going on here right now, we have a boom here. We have an overheated construction industry here in this region right now, particularly in Corner Brook. I think they see a huge opportunity."
He said the former Lafarge employees see there's other opportunity and they're not going to be destitute.
Williams said the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper employees affected by the paper machine shutdown realize the dollar is having a huge effect on the company's profitability. He said that coupled with a lower demand for newsprint means the market is not there.
Williams said the pulp and paper industry is a tough business, but the province is there to help. "According to my calculations, I think between Abitibi and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, we've probably got about $16 million in support to these two companies in this present year," he said. "A big part of that is power ... We are supporting them to the best of our ability."
A tender was also awarded Wednesday for construction of the Corner Brook courthouse. Williams said construction will get underway shortly on the building after the tender was awarded to Allied Constructors Inc. of St. John's.
"Today's announcement is a testimony to our government's commitment to improving infrastructure and strengthening the justice system within the region," he said.
"This is a momentous accomplishment for the people of the region, and will provide a more contemporary environment for those individuals who access or work within the justice system."
Construction is set to begin as soon as possible, with an estimated opening date of early 2009.
While in the city, the premier also presented cheques to the 2008 Summer Games and Ironman 70.3.
He presented a cheque for $175,000 to the games committee, as well as $100,000 to Wreckhouse Entertainment for the Ironman competition. An additional $25,000 will be provided to the 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games upon completion of the games.
"As premier and the proud member for Humber West, I am delighted to have the opportunity to present these organizations with funding to assist with the planning and preparations for two upcoming sporting events" said Williams. "This is an exciting time for the region as they prepare to host the 2008 Summer Games and the Ironman 70.3 event that will attract thousands of athletes, coaches and visitors to the region."
The Western Star
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19/07/07
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