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Hope for mill in Alberni

Catalyst Paper’s chances of survival increased following a recent meeting of politicos and company men in Premier Christy Clark’s office.

To the Editor,

Catalyst Paper’s chances of survival may have increased following a recent meeting of politicos and Catalyst executive in Premier Christy Clark’s office. It was a meeting organized by Powell River Mayor Dave Formosa and it generated an improved relationship between those at odds over handling of the Catalyst methods.

Deputy Finance Minister Peter Milburn and former Finance Minister Colin Hansen will spearhead further dialogue in the immediate future. (Hansen was born in Port Alberni and officiated at the opening of the new West Coast General Hospital).

Milburn will deal directly with the company. Hansen with unions, pensioners and communities.

Catalyst wants labour and training tax credits in the amount of $30 million dollars to support the labour force, as have other industries such as shipbuilding. There are indications that Victoria may provide that financial aid.

However, the situation remains teetering on the brink of disaster.

It’s interesting to note that “catalyst” is an old English noun found in Oxford dictionary meaning “a person or thing that precipitates change.”

Harold Hamilton,

Port Alberni