This page contains annotated news stories and press releases with commentary about land reform and the democratic process in British Columbia. Our comments are shown in red.
Minister waits on mill details
Apr 28, 2008Forest Minister Rich Coleman is among those waiting for more details of a feasibility study showing TimberWest's Elk Falls sawmill could be a viable operation in other hands.
TimberWest plans to permanently shut down the Campbell River mill at a cost of 257 jobs on May 9.
Earlier this month, the union representing sawmill workers, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Local 1123, said that a study had determined the mill to be viable. Potential investors were among those to provide funding for the study. The union said ongoing negotiations and confidentiality provisions prevented any further release of information.
"My understanding is we've talked," Coleman said in Campbell River last week when asked about the study. "My staff did have conversations with the union in the last week or so. We've actually put some resources to them to help them do their business plan. They aren't at the stage yet where they can report out. Those discussions are ongoing. They're supposed to finish a business plan. They'll probably take it to their membership or whatever to make a decision whether they're interested after that."
