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NS announces team for forestry transition post Northern Pulp closure

Nova Scotia’s Premier Stephen McNeil has announced the members of a transition team assembled to aid the province’s forestry workers and businesses impacted by the closure of Northern Pulp.

Kelliann Dean, deputy minister of intergovernmental affairs and trade, is leading the team of both industry and government members, including:

• Julie Towers, deputy minister, Department of Lands and Forestry
• Simon d’Entremont, deputy minister, Department of Energy and Mines
• Ava Czapalay, acting deputy minister, Department of Labour and Advanced Education
• Don Bureaux, president, Nova Scotia Community College
• Jeff Bishop, executive director, Forest Nova Scotia
• Robin Wilber, president, Elmsdale Lumber Company
• Debbie Reeves, chair, Large Private Non-Industrial Landowners of Nova Scotia
• Greg Watson, manager, North Nova Forest Owners Co-op Ltd.

According to the Jan. 3 news release, the team will meet for the first time on Jan. 9 to discuss short-term interventions, potential areas of investment for the $50 million transition fund the government announced earlier, and longer-term and innovative approaches for the forestry industry in Nova Scotia.

“We know there is an impact on workers and the industry, so it is critical to have industry representatives at the table. I am grateful these individuals have agreed to work with government to ensure we identify the most effective ways to support the industry in the short term and to provide advice on longer-term options for the future of forestry in our province,” McNeil said. “As a government, we want and need a forestry industry in Nova Scotia because it helps drive our rural economy. I am confident we will find a path forward that balances economic growth and environmental integrity.”

UPDATE: NS cuts sawmill president from forestry transition team for pulp mill comments