Economy Dominates First Question Period

The provincial economy was the main focus during the first question period of the new legislative session Wednesday.

Last week, Glencore announced the closure of its Brunswick smelter in Belledune, which will leave 420 people without work.

During a back-and-forth between Liberal MLA Cathy Rogers and the premier, Rogers questioned what is being done to bring new jobs to the region and to other areas struggling with job losses.

“Economists estimate that about three times as many jobs will be lost in total when you consider companies and jobs that relied on Glencore operations,” said Rogers

Premier Blaine Higgs said his government has identified six priorities, which include developing an economic plan.

“What we’re looking for is a long-term viable business opportunity for the community,” said Higgs. “It won’t be just build something and it’ll last for as long as the money’s there, Mr. Speaker, it’s something that’ll bring people home and that they’ll stay home.”

Higgs said the government continues to study Maritime Iron’s proposal for an iron plant in Belledune but has not made any final decisions.

The premier also said the province was given no advance warning about Glencore’s decision last week to close its Belledune operations.

“It was a tremendous disappointment to get the news of the smelter from Glencore,” he said, “however, they have been indicating for many years that they were having trouble making ends meet and they were having trouble to be profitable and that they didn’t foresee that they’d be able to continue under the current situation.”

On Wednesday, the province announced it has created a transition adjustment committee to help former employees and the community.