ABERCOMBIE, NS – Last week, both Premier Stephen McNeil and Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston had an opportunity to debate the future of the forestry sector. Lacking in the conversation was discussion regarding providing Northern Pulp with a short extension to complete its new wastewater treatment facility.

“It needs to be said: without Northern Pulp there can be no plan B that does not include massive job losses,” states Jean Francois Guillot, Vice President Operations East with Paper Excellence Canada, owner of Northern Pulp. “The forestry sector’s future was discussed in the legislature last week, but no one discussed a short extension for our wastewater treatment facility.”

“Without a short extension, we will be forced by the government to cease operating and that will cost jobs throughout rural Nova Scotia.”

Northern Pulp’s new wastewater treatment facility will ensure no untreated wastewater ever leaves the site and will then continue our practice of releasing treated wastewater into the Northumberland Strait. “Once this new project is completed, we will be one of the most environmentally responsible mills in Canada,” said Guillot. “We too want to see Boat Harbour cleaned up, we want to finish our new treatment facility; we just need a little bit more time to get that done.”

“Our partnerships with sawmills, forestry contractors and private woodlot owners are critical to its success and the rural economy,” said Guillot. “Our new wastewater facility will reduce our environmental impact while ensuring we can continue to help the Nova Scotian economy.”

“Any plan for the future of the forestry sector that does not include Northern Pulp will be a plan for the managed decline of the sector in Nova Scotia.”