Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Priere du jour - Prayer of the day!!!
SPIRITUAL LIVING
Prayer and Devotions
God’s Part, Our Part
by Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Today, unite a personal effort with your prayers for a special intention.
December 5, 2007
Wednesday of the first week of Advent
Matthew 15:29-37
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind being able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way." The disciples said to him, "Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?" Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" "Seven, they replied, and a few small fishes." He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over — seven baskets full.
Introductory Prayer: As the week gets more intense, I want to take full advantage of this time of prayer. I need your presence, Lord, to keep me balanced amid all the demands of the day. I love you for the gift of my faith and for the good souls you have put in my life. Let this prayer be a steppingstone to heaven.
Petition: Grant me a deeper trust in your providence, Lord. Let me not be too anxious about the things of this world.
1. Wowed Crowds Jesus’ cures of the deaf and deformed amazed his audience. His miracles were far beyond anything that they had ever seen. Christ himself remained calm and serene throughout such displays of power. And why not? The entire universe had been created through the second person of the Trinity, and Jesus as man had absolute confidence in his heavenly Father’s providence. How easy it is to forget the majesty of God amid the troubles of life. We might be tempted at times by a nagging sense that the Almighty is somehow powerless to help us. But he’s not. He has his own timetable and often prefers that we deepen our trust in him before he acts. Do I trust God enough to let him work in his own time?
2. Many Mouths to Feed Jesus’ desire to feed the hungry crowds meets with skepticism in his disciples. "Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?" they ask. The problem is that the disciples fail to connect the dots; they see things only in a purely human way. They see only a deserted place, and hence no means for coming up with enough food to feed the multitude. What short memories they have! Did they not see Jesus perform miracle cures a few minutes earlier? Could not he who cured the lame and the blind, also produce a bit of bread? Do I trust more than the disciples do? I can marvel at the gift of life that God gives, but then wonder if he will help me out of a small problem. Don’t his many gifts in my life give me assurance of his power and goodness?
3. Loaves and Fish Here we notice that Jesus doesn’t feed the crowds until someone offers him something to work with. At times Christ’s followers can go to the other extreme in their confidence: They expect Jesus to do everything. But that is not his way. He wants us to collaborate with him, to put our resources at his disposal. Earlier he performed miracles, but only after people collaborated by bringing the ill to him. Now, he wants his disciples to bring him a few loaves and fish so as to work his wonders. Might Jesus be asking me to bring him something, in order for him to effect a solution?
Conversation with Christ: Lord, my trust in you can be shaky at times. My head tells me to have confidence in you, but at a moment of crisis it is easy to lose that sense of trust. My faith is weaker than I care to admit; yet I’m sure that you won’t reject me. Help me to count the many blessings you give me, and to remember that each gift reflects your personal love for me. Moreover, help me to open others’ eyes to your action in their lives.
Resolution: I will unite a personal effort (say, an act of charity or a donation) with my prayers for a special intention.
http://www.catholic.net/spiritual_living/template_channel.phtml?channel_id=6
Question Periode at the New Brunswick Legislature!! ADHD STYLE!!!!
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Government
Mr. Fitch: This Christmas, I would like to thank the Premier for the Christmas card that he just
delivered to Members of the Legislative Assembly. It is a very nice picture of Roxanne.
On this side of the House, we hold the principles of democracy very near and dear, and we know
that there are some members on the other side who may not hold those principles as dear as we do.
Supposedly, this is a government that is only concerned with looking forward and looking to the
future. We can understand that, because maybe they do not want people looking into the past and
seeing what was promised and what is being delivered here today.
I was wondering: In the Liberal election platform, it was stated that, if elected, the MLA for Kent
would bring an open and transparent government. Could he explain today exactly what was meant
by “open and transparent government”?
Hon. S. Graham: Our government is committed to dialoguing with New Brunswickers. In fact, we
brought in some experts from within New Brunswick and from outside the province, to lend their
advice and guidance as to how we can facilitate the process. I know that Crossing Boundaries—an
organization of which the member for Oromocto has been very supportive—is one of the
organizations that is helping us in the consultation process.
It also comes down to having to make difficult decisions. As the member opposite knows, governing
is not easy. We, on this side of the House, have taken the clear decision that the restoration of the
Petitcodiac River must occur, but we have yet to hear from the member opposite what his position
is on that important issue. His own previous government, in its request to the federal
government—in its plan requesting $1 billion in infrastructure funding—requested funding for that
specific project.
My question today is: We have been open on this side. Are you ready to open the gates on that side?
Mr. Fitch: I will be more than happy to talk about the Petitcodiac River at the appropriate time. The
Premier knows that he had his chance to ask questions when he was on this side. If he is patient, he
will have the opportunity to get back on this side very soon and ask questions again.
021 11:25
Right to Information
The topic I would like to talk about today is the Donald Savoie report, which was tabled in
September 2007, and dealt specifically with right to information. There are a number of
recommendations there. There are a number of recommendations that we think should be actioned.
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I need to ask the Premier today, Will he commit, and will he tell this House, when is he going to
action even one of the recommendations from the Donald Savoie report? It was the most costeffective
reports so far to date. It was one of the ones that cost the least. However, if it sits on the
shelf and does nothing, it becomes wasted money. Is the Premier going to waste money, or is he
going to action that report?
Hon. S. Graham: As the member opposite knows, we inherited a system which was pegged as one
of the worst in the country. This is the legacy that the former government left us on this side of the
House. I will take the question under advisement. I will report back to the House as to where the
government is in responding to the recommendations of the Donald Savoie report. It was a
comprehensive report, completed in a cost-effective and timely fashion.
It still comes back to the important question, because it has not been answered. We are clear on this
side of the House where we stand on the restoration of the Petitcodiac River. Where does the
member opposite stand?
Mr. Fitch: It seems that the Premier is anxious to get back to asking questions of this side. If he
wants to change the September 2010 election day, and hold the election today, we are ready to go
to an election any time.
(Interjections.)
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. Fitch: It does not sound like the Premier is giving any open and transparent answers here today.
What I would like to know is this: Has he directed his bureaucrats, and the people within his office,
to stall, or not give any information to the opposition, under the Right to Information Act?
Hon. S. Graham: As I have said, I will take the question under advisement. I will report back to the
House on the status of the response to the report from Donald Savoie. It is a comprehensive report,
and our government is taking concrete steps. In fact, I recently met with representatives of The
Canadian Press, and a number of editors and publishers from across the country, to talk about where
New Brunswick is in moving forward to becoming more fully open and transparent. It was a very
productive session, with newspapers from across the country. In fact, the meeting was held in the
province, here in Fredericton, just as we had a good meeting last night in Edmundston, which the
member . . .
I think it is important to note that we are reaching out today to the federal government. We are
asking the federal government for its assistance on moving forward on the restoration of the
Petitcodiac River. We want to know today, Is the position that the previous government had still in
place? There was unanimous support on that side of the House, when there was a leader, asking the
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federal government for assistance. Can we count on that unanimous support today, to help us in our
endeavours in opening this important river?
Mr. Fitch: I thought I saw a lot of snow yesterday. However, I am seeing more snow fall here in
the Legislature, as the Premier tries to answer a question which is simple and direct, and very clear
and transparent. Many people were stuck in snowbanks yesterday. The Premier is still stuck, and he
is going to have trouble getting out.
This is important. The principles of democracy are at stake, along with the right of the public to have
an open and transparent government. He has not answered this question once. I think he is skating
on thin ice, as well as being in a snowbank.
I will make the question even more simple: Does the Premier take the Right to Information
legislation seriously? Does he tell his bureaucrats, and the people in his office, to take the legislation
of the Right to Information Act seriously, or is he telling them just to stall, and not give any
information to the opposition under the legislation?
Hon. S. Graham: I attempt to be on top of as many files as possible. I have already stated that I will
report back to the House on the status of the government’s response to this important piece of work
that was done. There will be new legislation introduced in this spring session, following the
recommendations of the Donald Savoie report. I am not sure what is bothering the member opposite,
besides the fact that he has not taken a clear position on the restoration of the Petitcodiac River.
Other than that, we always try to be as open and transparent as possible, and we will continue in that
process.
022 11:30
Mr. Fitch: It is nice that the Premier got the note from the anteroom, and now he has an answer; but
he is still giving the same answer that he gave the first time, when he did not have an answer. Maybe
we can compare the treatment we are getting with the treatment that some other people received
when they asked for information under the right to information. Can the Premier tell us whether he
treats the media the same way that he treats the opposition when it comes to answering requests for
information?
Hon. S. Graham: The acting leader representing the acting leader is speaking in generalities. If he
has a specific question, he should ask the question, and we will attempt to respond. Our government
responds to all requests for information in a timely manner. There is a deadline outlined in the Act
that has to be adhered to. There is also a tabling motion. Sometimes, extensions are requested. I am
not sure what request the member opposite is specifically referring to, but if he has a specific
question . . . We have already wasted 10 minutes of question period. Ask the question.
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Mr. Fitch: I do not think the time that opposition has to pose questions to the Premier should be
considered wasted time. That is the type of government that we have here in New Brunswick. It is
an arrogant government that does not want to tell the people about the discussions or decisions that
the government members make as they are huddled together in Room 209 of the Centennial
Building. That is the type of government that these people want us to put our faith in.
This is the situation that we have to right. We hope that the tin man who sits to the left of the
Premier finds his heart and gives back the HST rebate to people, and does not claw back the 1% of
the HST. The Premier is like the lion from The Wizard of Oz. He needs to have the courage to stand
up in this House and tell the people . . . Yes, there are a number of them that are vying for the job
of scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz. We know that too. We want to know if the lion of a Premier
from Oz has the courage to stand up and tell us when he is going to implement the Donald Savoie
report. When is he going to take the Right to Information Act seriously?
Hon. S. Graham: That is the same question to which I responded. I said that if there was a specific
question, I would take it under advisement and respond. I have just stated that we are going to be
responding fully to the Donald Savoie report next spring. New legislation will be introduced as well.
We have not had a specific question yet.
This question period has resulted in the member opposite throwing verbal insults this way and
calling Cabinet ministers names. Today we have clearly taken a position on this side of the House.
I have asked the member opposite for his assistance and for him to take a clear position as well. He
was a member of a government that requested financial assistance from the government in Ottawa,
when his party was in power, for the restoration of the Petitcodiac River. Are they prepared to lend
that assistance to the government today, so that we can see this river fully restored?
M. C. Landry : Comme vous le voyez, de ce côté-ci de la Chambre, nous avons des questions
constructives, mais nous n’avons pas de réponse des gens de l’autre côté. C’est comme cela depuis
déjà 12 ou 14 mois.
Ma question est pour la personne à la droite du premier ministre, soit le ministre de la Santé.
Pourquoi ne respecte-t-il pas le processus d’accès à l’information dans son propre ministère?
L’hon. M. Murphy : Les employés de notre ministère tentent de répondre le plus rapidement
possible à toutes les requêtes d’information publique à notre ministère. On a beaucoup de respect
pour la loi et pour les membres de l’Assemblée législative. On va continuer à faire notre possible
pour répondre aussi vite que possible.
M. C. Landry : Nouvellement nommé conseiller de la reine, le ministre de la Santé ne respecte pas
la loi de la province du Nouveau-Brunswick. J’ai une lettre ici datant du 10 octobre 2007.
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023 11:35
It requests, under the Right to Information Act, the information related to the Premier’s direct role
in recruiting health professionals, including family doctors, to the province, as described on page
20 of the Liberal election platform, Charter for Change. The name may be changed already. What
is your answer?
Hon. Mr. Murphy: My answer is that this Premier has done more for health care in 14 months than
their Premier did in seven years. Their Premier simply suddenly closed down the hospitals in
Dalhousie and Caraquet, closed down beds, and downgraded critical services around the province.
This Premier has been integral in the development of a health care plan that will see more nurses,
more doctors, and better health care—better publicly funded health care. That is what this Premier’s
role has been.
M. C. Landry : Le ministre de la Santé a encore droit à ses envolées oratoires, mais j’aimerais lui
rappeler ce qui en était de cette province au cours des cinq dernières années de notre mandat.
The physician growth has surpassed the national average.
Cela est un résultat positif de notre plan de santé, grâce auquel nous avons recruté beaucoup plus
de médecins. En effet, la moyenne nationale était de 5 %, alors que celle du Nouveau-Brunswick
était de 12 %. Voilà un résultat positif. On demande de l’information au ministre de la Santé par
l’intermédiaire de son ministère concernant le recrutement des médecins. Qu’a fait son ministère
depuis les 12 derniers mois? Pas grand-chose. On attend encore les réponses. Le ministre se plaît
à nous parler des sept dernières années. Toutefois, notre gouvernement avait un plan et une vision,
alors que le présent gouvernement parle d’autosuffisance, et personne ne comprend ce que ce mot
veut dire.
Que va nous dire le ministre de la Santé concernant l’accès à l’information que nous lui avons
demandée? Il ne répond pas. Voilà ma question.
Hon. Mr. Murphy: Just to name a few things, we increased the signing bonus for ER physicians
to come into this province. For rural New Brunswick, we increased the amount for physicians to sign
on to $50 000. We have also gone forward with full implementation and funds for two medical
education programs. We also have their former minister working with us on the development of the
trauma system. We have a new ambulance system coming on board. We also have a new speciality
program in Saint John. We have oncology treatment throughout the north now. We have dialysis
treatment throughout the north. We did not neglect rural New Brunswick; we did not neglect
northern New Brunswick. We made this the best place to practice medicine in this country. It is only
going to get better. It suffered for seven years, and we are correcting that.
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Mr. Alward: What is clear today in the House is that they do not respect answering questions during
question period, just like they do not respect answering the right to information requests. That is
what is very clear.
In the Liberals’ infamous playbook from the last election, they committed to establishing a rural
health institute as a research centre in partnership with the feds. Health care professionals in
Carleton County have spent a number of years advocating for such a facility. A right to information
request was submitted on October 10, with no response. Why is the minister refusing to provide
information from his department? Mr. Minister, the law requires you to do so.
Hon. Mr. Murphy: We have received many requests. They are being fulfilled in a timely fashion.
With regard to the rural health research institute that is being discussed for the Upper River Valley
Hospital, we have entered into discussions with the federal government. A member opposite is going
to be a candidate for the federal Conservative Party, and perhaps another one in the front row, in
time. I ask that they speak to some of their federal colleagues so that we can get the money together.
We are at the table. We want them at the table. If we get their cooperation, we are all set, so there
we go.
Mr. Alward: That has absolutely nothing to do with the question. He did not answer the question.
As a minister of the Crown and as Queen’s Counsel, you are violating the law. Do you consider
adhering to the Right to Information Act as your responsibility?
Hon. Mr. Murphy: Respecting the Right to Information Act is certainly the responsibility of all
government members, and the Department of Health takes it very seriously. We do not want to give
the members opposite the information in some slipshod manner.
024 11:40
We know that they operated what was considered, by some in this country, to be the most secretive
government in Canada. We do not. We will answer those requests in a timely fashion, with the
proper documentation, and they will want for nothing when it comes to information. However, I
know that, when the members opposite were once in government, no one could get any information
from them.
Mr. Alward: Let’s go back to the question: How are other people in New Brunswick being dealt
with? How is the media being dealt with? How are individuals being dealt with? Very clearly, the
government has not dealt with this in a timely fashion. It has not even responded to right-toinformation
requests. Mr. Minister, you are breaking the law. Is it not your responsibility to provide
the information that is requested?
Hon. Mr. Murphy: I signed a number of letters in the last two days, which were asking for
extensions of time requested by my employees, because of the nature of the questions asked and to
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find all the documents. These letters were signed yesterday and, I believe, this morning as well. That
may cover some of the concerns. However, I remember when some of the opposition members were
in government. They regularly requested extensions of two and four months. We act in a timely
fashion. They will get all the information to which they are entitled, and we will continue to do our
job in the Department of Health.
Centrale de Belledune
M. P. Robichaud : Je vais tenter d’avoir un peu plus de succès que mes collègues et de recevoir des
réponses directes et concrètes de la part du gouvernement ce matin. Ma question est pour le ministre
de l’Énergie. Durant la dernière campagne électorale, le Parti libéral, dans son Pacte pour le
changement, a pris un engagement très clair concernant l’expansion de la centrale électrique de
Belledune. Pour rafraîchir la mémoire du ministre, je vais lui lire exactement ce qu’on pouvait
retrouver dans la plateforme électorale du Parti libéral. On a dit très clairement : « Entreprendra une
étude de faisabilité quant à l’expansion de la Centrale électrique de Belledune ». Voici ma question
pour le ministre de l’Énergie ce matin. Le ministre peut-il nous dire où en sont rendues la demande
ou l’expansion de la centrale électrique de Belledune?
Hon. Mr. Keir: I would like to thank the member opposite for the question. As a matter of fact, we
are going to be looking forward to the feasibility study of a second Belledune plant. Certainly, next
on the list is a feasibility study to get gas to the north. At this point, the priority for this government
is to ensure that northern New Brunswick is included in this energy sector and the energy hub, and
we are going to do that through a feasibility study to get gas to the north.
M. P. Robichaud : J’ai une question supplémentaire pour le ministre, puisqu’il n’a pas répondu à
la première question. Je lui demande où est rendue l’évaluation de cette étude. Où en sont son
ministère et ce gouvernement dans l’évaluation de l’étude sur la centrale thermique de Belledune.
Où en sont-ils dans le processus? Le ministre peut-il donner une réponse claire à cette question?
Hon. Mr. Keir: I am fairly new to this still, but I am sure that a mandate lasts four years. Certainly,
within that mandate, the commitment that we made in the Charter for Change will be kept.
M. P. Robichaud : Je sens le besoin, ce matin, de rafraîchir la mémoire du ministre de l’Énergie.
Non seulement son parti a-t-il pris un engagement très clair dans sa campagne électorale mais aussi,
si on évalue ce qu’il a dit dans son plan d’action sur l’autosuffisance, le ministre dilue un peu la
portée de l’engagement. On dit : « Examiner la possibilité d’investir dans une autre usine génératrice
à Belledune ». Pourtant, quand on a envoyé une lettre au ministre de l’Énergie lui demandant où était
rendu le dossier, dans une lettre qu’il nous a fait parvenir le 23 octobre 2007, il a dit :
Please be advised that the Department of Energy does not have any documents concerning the
Belledune Generating Station.
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Le gouvernement n’a rien fait du tout. Il n’a pas analysé le dossier. Il tente de faire croire à la
population du Nouveau-Brunswick que c’est une priorité quand il n’a rien fait et que le ministre
signe de sa main une lettre disant que cette étude ne va nulle part. On se retrouve, encore une fois,
avec un autre engagement non respecté par le gouvernement libéral. Ce sont de mauvaises nouvelles
après de mauvaises nouvelles pour les gens du nord du Nouveau-Brunswick, et ce gouvernement
ne respecte pas ses engagements. Encore une fois, c’était de la fumée aux yeux de la population du
nord du Nouveau-Brunswick. On leur a fait croire qu’on voulait aller de l’avant avec une deuxième
centrale électrique à Belledune alors que le ministère dont le ministre est responsable n’a rien fait
du tout.
025 11:45
Le ministre admettra-t-il qu’aucun document et aucun travail n’ont été faits à ce jour pour la centrale
électrique de Belledune?
Hon. Mr. Keir: Inspector Clouseau has found that there has been no documentation yet on the
feasibility study for Belledune. Of course, there has been no documentation. As I just mentioned to
you, our next priority in this mandate is to get gas to the north. The member opposite wants to talk
about energy and what has been done in the north. For seven years, you folks had something to do
in the energy sector in northern New Brunswick. What did you do? Zero!
We are committed right now to a feasibility study to get gas to the northern part of the province, to
put it on the same footing as the rest of the province. That government had the opportunity to do it,
and it did nothing, This government, under the leadership of Shawn Graham, is absolutely
committed to ensuring that the north is included in the energy sector.
Natural Gas
Mr. Northrup: Thank you for the applause.
We are getting the questions mixed up. Maybe if I were to ask a question about Belledune, I would
get an answer about gas. I have already asked about Belledune, only to get questions about gas.
Maybe we can exchange here. He is full of gas, anyway.
(Interjections.)
Mr. Speaker: I find that last comment very derogative and unparliamentary. I would ask you to
retract that statement.
Mr. Northrup: I apologize to you, Mr. Speaker, and to the minister. I just meant that my area was
full of gas. I did not direct that comment to the minister himself.
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Since the minister brings up the gas situation, other people and I have questioned and written letters.
I just want to read this. It is in my words, but it is in writing. I want to make it simple for the
minister. He has probably already read this, so I just want to read it to him, without a lot of pictures
on it:It is requesting all documents, including but not limited to memos, letters, correspondence,
electronic mail, minutes of meetings before and since October 3, 2006, related to the government’s
commitment to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of bringing natural gas to the north.
The minister has mentioned gas before, so I am asking him why we, on this side, have not received
any information yet.
Hon. S. Graham: Let me begin by saying that it seems the opposition is running our of gas today,
asking personal questions on the future of our province.
The speech from the throne, which was brought forward in this Assembly last week, announced that
our government would be moving forward, in this session, on a feasibility analysis toward bringing
natural gas to the north. We are in year two of our mandate. We are beginning the process now of
launching that feasibility analysis.
To answer the question—and I respect the member for asking it—the fact is that we are in year two.
In the first year of our mandate, we worked on enlarging wind power development projects in New
Brunswick. Requests for proposals went out asking for more wind power production. That work is
now proceeding. We have also worked diligently on the feasibility analysis pertaining to nuclear
energy, which was started in year one. There was an independent feasibility analysis. We are now
starting to work on natural gas to the north in year two, as was outlined in the speech from the throne
last week. Only one week has passed since the government’s intentions were announced. I am not
sure how much information the member opposite was looking for in a one-week time frame.
Mr. Northrup: This is something that did not just happen yesterday. This happened a couple of
years ago, and we have been working on it on this side. I do not know why, but the Premier must
have his facts confused, as usual. As my colleague, Percy Mockler, said, the good people of the
north deserve an answer. We were promised before September 18 that gas would be coming to the
north. It was written right in the Charter for Change, in plain English, that gas would be coming to
the north. If you read the Telegraph-Journal, it was saying that gas was coming to the north. We,
on this side, keep our promises. Let’s hear from that side.
026 11:50
Hon. Mr. Keir: I now understand why most of the books of the member opposite have pictures in
them. Obviously, the member either has not read the Charter for Change, or he had difficulty
reading it. We made a commitment in the Charter for Change that we would do a feasibility study
on getting gas to the north. That is exactly what we are going to do. Also, exactly like the feasibility
study done on Point Lepreau, what we are trying to do is get the private sector involved in that
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feasibility study, not only to pay for it, but also to see the opportunity, which the folks on the other
side have never seen. We will try to get the private sector to see the opportunity in getting gas to the
north.
Nursing Homes
Mr. Huntjens: My question is for the Minister of State for Seniors. I have, in my possession, a
newsletter from the Central Carleton Nursing Home in Hartland, New Brunswick, dated November
2007. This newsletter is provided to staff and management of the home, to residents and their
families, and to members of the board of directors. It is also posted on bulletin boards within the
home for any visitor to the facility.
I wish to draw your attention to a section where the retiring administrator, Gwen Jones, who was
the Liberal candidate for the riding of Carleton in the last provincial election, talks of her
accomplishments. She said: Being a good Liberal, I met with government officials last week and
have completed the application for a home support program that will provide care to those residents
in need of Carleton Place.
This statement was signed by Mrs. Jones. My question to the minister is this: Are nursing homes that
are managed by good Liberals given priority in this province over nursing homes that are
administered by other people?
Hon. Mr. McGinley: I do want to thank the member opposite for giving me the opportunity to
respond to my very first question as Minister of State for Seniors.
(Interjections.)
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Hon. Mr. McGinley: I will answer your question as directly as I possibly can. It is like this.
First, let me tell you how proud and pleased I am to be the new member looking after seniors. I want
to tell you that this government has already done more for the seniors in this province than your
government did in the seven years that you were there.
In direct answer to the member’s question, I want to tell him that our concern is for the benefit of
the seniors of this province. That is where I will be directing my attention, and that will be the main
consideration whenever we decide to make any decisions about nursing homes. It will be about
where the need is.
Mr. Speaker: Honourable members, the time for question period has now elapsed.
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(Interjections.)
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Question periode at the New Brunswick Legislature!! ADHD STYLE!!!!
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Attribution du bois
M. Volpé : Ce matin, le premier ministre a dit à la Chambre qu’il avait mentionné aux gens de
Dalhousie que les attributions des volumes de bois demeureraient dans la région.
019 14:15
Yesterday, here in the House, he said that it is no longer one community in New Brunswick versus
another. They will be making sure that the flow of wood remains in New Brunswick.
Can the Premier confirm that he has changed his mind overnight? Now he has changed his policy,
and will leave the wood where it should be, within those regions? Is that what he said this morning?
Hon. S. Graham: The Leader of the Opposition should know the forestry file. He was the former
Minister of Natural Resources. Under Schedule F of the forest management plan, it is very clear that
wood does move from license to license. I will use the example of the Upsalquitch license, license
number one. Groupe Savoie has an allocation of approximately 107 m3. Yet, they source wood from
a number of other licenses as well across the province.
The way the forest management plan operates is wood does flow from license to license. On this
license, Bowater, today, has an allocation of 255 000 m3. With the decision of the company now to
suspend operations permanently, we are looking for a legal opinion from Justice officials to see how
we can access that wood in a more timely fashion, and use it for economic diversification in the
region. I want to be very clear: That wood will be used as an economic development tool for the
region.
Mr. Volpé: As you are probably aware, this is exactly what we have asked, this is what the private
woodlot owners have asked, and this is what all organizations have asked over the past few months
since the policy came in. The Shawn Graham policy says that you can move wood from one region
to another region. Now he just changed his mind, and that is the right thing to do. Backtracking
sometimes is a good thing, and we appreciate that this morning he was ready to change his mind on
it.
My next question to the Premier is this: Because of what is happening now, private woodlot owners
have a hard time selling their wood.
Ce matin, ma question est pour le premier ministre. Est-il prêt à changer la politique et à revenir au
concept de la source primaire d’approvisionnement?
Primary source of supply for one year, or until the market conditions change, because private
woodlot owners are losing markets, because the mills are closing across the province. What we are
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asking for is to modify the Act, to say that you again have a primary source of supply for one year,
or until market conditions come back.
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: I want to clarify another thing as well. It seems the opposition is quite
confused. When we talked about the interim policy that was put in place a couple months ago, and
which terminates at the end of this month, it was for sawmill rationalization. That is what it was
for—sawmills. Today, we are talking about Bowater, and that is a pulp and paper mill and has
nothing to do with sawmills. That is the difference, and you should know your file as well.
As for the private woodlot owners, yes, they are in difficulty. The industry is having a hard time,
and the private woodlot owners are having a hard time selling their wood. We are working
proactively with them to find ways to access the market and for them to be part of this whole
solution. The Premier, myself, industry, and private woodlots have sat around the table on many
occasions. We will continue to do so to find the right solutions for the people in New Brunswick.
M. Volpé : Je sais que le premier ministre n’avait pas la réponse, mais le ministre des Ressources
naturelles est encore plus confus que le premier ministre. Le ministre vient de semer un autre doute.
La politique qui a été changée par le premier ministre ce matin vient d’être rechangée par le
ministre.
Le ministre dit que, pour ceux qui opèrent des scieries, la politique peut encore être appliquée. On
peut encore enlever des attributions de bois dans les régions pour les envoyer ailleurs. C’est ce que
le ministre vient de nous dire. Le premier ministre vient de nous dire que le gouvernement
maintiendra les volumes en place pour créer du développement économique dans les régions. Le
ministre se lève, et c’est la confusion totale.
J’ai une question. Si le ministre veut y répondre, j’espère qu’il prendra le temps d’y penser avant
de répondre.
Les producteurs de boisés privés ont perdu l’accès aux marchés parce que des usines ferment au
Nouveau-Brunswick. On se demande tout simplement pourquoi on ne reviendrait pas au concept de
la source primaire d’approvisionnement pour une période d’un an, en attendant que les marchés se
replacent, pour permettre aux producteurs de boisés privés d’avoir accès aux marchés. Si les usines
manquent de bois après en avoir acheté des producteurs privés, qu’ils aillent en chercher sur les
terres de la Couronne. C’était la politique en place de 1982 à 1992. Cela pourrait être encore mis en
place parce que les conditions du marché ont changé, avec plusieurs fermetures d’usines. Êtes-vous
prêt à changer la politique?
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: First of all, if there is any confusion, I know the difference between a pulp
and paper mill and a sawmill. I think that is where the confusion is on the other side. I do want to
stress something here. Last week was very difficult, both personally and professionally, for myself
and for our community in Dalhousie. We lost the livelihood of that community. That operation has
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been there for 78 years. The mood in that community over the weekend, since the announcement,
was very dim.
I want to be clear on this. I got a call from the mayor late Saturday afternoon that he was asked to
go to a meeting. When he showed up at that meeting, the member for Restigouche-la-Vallée was
sitting there with a federal Tory candidate. I want to be very clear: This is not about politics. This
is about people, and you had better start having more class than playing politics with my community.
020 14:20
M. Volpé : C’est une honte ce matin. Le ministre responsable du secteur forestier n’était pas présent
à une réunion dans sa région il y a trois semaines, où on parlait de l’avenir du secteur forestier.
Aujourd’hui, il se lève à la Chambre pour dire qu’il n’aime pas le fait qu’un autre député aille chez
lui faire son travail, un travail qu’il ne fait pas. Si ce n’était pas de l’opposition, la politique sur la
rétention du bois n’aurait pas changé, elle serait toujours la même. On a fait notre travail, le député
de Restigouche-la-Vallée a fait son travail et il va continuer de le faire. Il va défendre les intérêts
de votre région, parce que vous ne le faites pas.
Encore une fois, le ministre n’a pas répondu à ma question. Les producteurs de boisés privés veulent
une réponse. Êtes-vous prêt ou non à modifier la loi afin de vous assurer qu’ils aient accès à un
marché équitable? Le marché a disparu, parce que plusieurs usines sont fermées au Nouveau-
Brunswick.
Private woodlot owners do not have the markets that they had a year ago. Mills are closing in New
Brunswick. All we are asking is this: For one year, can you bring back primary source of supply,
until the market conditions change?
Hon. S. Graham: I want to be very clear, on this side of the Chamber this afternoon, that we are
doing our work. In fact, we are working right now to see improved productivity and efficiencies with
Fraser. That is in the riding of the member opposite. Tonight, I am invited by community leaders
to give a keynote address in that community, because it believes in the leadership that our
government is providing to bring sustainability to the long-term economic outlook of the forest
industry. I am very proud today, as Premier, to address stakeholders in the riding of the member
opposite, because we do believe in companies like Fraser, and, as a government, we are prepared
to invest.
M. Volpé : C’est dommage de ne pas recevoir de réponse lorsqu’on pose une question. Si le premier
ministre ne connaît pas la réponse, qu’il reste assis. Ma question était très simple. Je voulais savoir
si vous étiez prêt, oui ou non, à modifier la politique pour redonner accès au marché aux producteurs
de boisés privés du Nouveau-Brunswick. Le premier ministre s’est levé pour dire qu’il viendrait
faire sa tournée dans le Nord-Ouest aujourd’hui. Cela n’a rien à voir du tout avec la question. Si
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vous ne connaissez pas la réponse, restez donc assis et demandez à quelqu’un qui connaît la réponse.
Ce sera moins gênant pour les gens du Nouveau-Brunswick.
The question is very simple. Are you ready, yes or no, to change the policy for one year to give
access to markets for private woodlots in New Brunswick—for one year? It would not be the end
of the world. That is all we are asking for, a yes or a no.
Hon. S. Graham: The positive outlook that the member promised he was going to bring to this
session has not materialized. What we are seeing today is a minister who, for seven years, dealt with
this file and did not implement the policy that he is asking for today. Our government committed,
in this throne speech, to develop a fair and equitable market treatment for the supply of private wood
in New Brunswick. We are now meeting with stakeholders to bring forward changes that will allow
fair and equitable market supply conditions to be met. I have to say that the discussions have been
very positive between industry and the private woodlot owners in New Brunswick.
I want to be clear. Today, what the member opposite is proposing is not what Fraser is proposing
in the member’s own riding. What it is asking for today is for government assistance for strategic
infrastructure investments. That is what company officials are asking for, and that is what this
government will deliver.
M. Volpé : J’anticipe ce que la Fraser aura dans la région, parce qu’elle a déjà eu de l’aide lorsqu’on
était au pouvoir.
We did put some money into it. We put $2.6 million into training. We helped Fraser. You canceled
all the policies that were in place, so do not . . . We see the difference today. He says: I am here for
Fraser, Irving, and the big companies. I am talking about woodlot owners who cannot sell their
products now. That is who I am talking about.
My question is very simple. The minister said: What have you done? In 1982, when the policy was
put in place, there were enough markets, and in 1992, the Act was changed by former Premier
McKenna. There was so much market that the private woodlot owners were able to sell their
products. All I am saying is that it changed within the last year, with all the mill closures in New
Brunswick. It is not a political question. It is a very simple question. You are saying that I do not
represent the interests of people. This is where I am trying to get an answer from you. Are you here
to represent the private woodlot owners or the large corporations? They want to be able to sell their
products, and they cannot.
021 14:25
I am saying: For one year, can you change the rules and bring it back to 1982? They could sell their
wood. Then, if there is not enough wood, let people go to Crown lands. That is all I am asking. It
is very simple.
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Hon. S. Graham: While the official opposition is worried about 1982, this government is worried
about 2026. We are going to be bringing forward policies that are going to set this province apart
from other jurisdictions, and that means working with all stakeholders. While the opposition is stuck
looking in the past, in the rearview mirror, we are looking solidly toward the future of our province.
Our government is committed to working with all stakeholders, such as the private woodlot owners.
Those discussions are ongoing, and I have to say that they have been very positive to date.
Pulp and Paper Mills
Mr. Mockler: The Premier should stop contracting out New Brunswick to his friends. When I hear
the member from Dalhousie telling me not to do politics, I have been elected since 1982 to defend
the people of my riding and the people of northern New Brunswick, and I will continue to do so. At
this time, the people of Dalhousie and of Restigouche-Chaleur live in fear—fear of losing their
quality of life, fear of losing their houses, fear of losing their cars, fear of losing their assets, fear
of not being able to help their children who are at universities. My question to the Premier is: Can
the Premier guarantee the employees of the Dalhousie mill that the $100 million that is in their
pensions will not be lost?
Hon. S. Graham: Yesterday, we had a very productive meeting with the union. I have to say that
we are going to have direct contact with the union officials. I am in the process of scheduling a
meeting with the chief executives of AbitibiBowater. A number of questions must be answered by
the company. We are working cooperatively with the leadership of the community of Dalhousie, the
town council, and the union members, to determine what questions must be answered. I will be
taking a leadership role. Yes, the pension issue must be defined, as well as the infrastructure within
the region. There is a very important issue of how the company is going to dispose of the asset. This
is much different from the acquisition of the asset by St. Anne-Nackawic, because, when that
company went into receivership, the province of New Brunswick was a prime creditor, so it was able
to overtake ownership of that asset. Today, we do not have any ownership in the asset of the
AbitibiBowater facility in Dalhousie, so the circumstances are different. Still, I can tell you today
that the commitment is strong. The union members will be included in the discussions with company
officials.
Mr. Mockler: When I hear the Premier talk about how it must be defined, the people of Dalhousie
think: It is not that it must be defined; it must be protected.
Quand j’écoute les gens de Restigouche-Chaleur et, particulièrement, de Dalhousie, je sais qu’ils
ont peur de perdre leur emploi permanent, leur maison, leur voiture et leur qualité de vie. Ils ont peur
de ne pas être capables d’aider financièrement leurs enfants inscrits aux universités et d’être obligés
de quitter le Nord pour s’en aller en Alberta. Ma question pour le premier ministre est la suivante :
Le premier ministre peut-il rassurer les gens de Dalhousie et les employés de l’usine de Dalhousie
qu’il arrêtera le démantèlement de l’usine AbitibiBowater à la fin janvier 2008?
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Hon. S. Graham: As I very clearly stated, the government of New Brunswick has no ownership in
this asset. We want to put together a clear strategy and work with the diversification committee, to
show that there are other opportunities. We recognize that newsprint will not continue to be
produced at this facility. The decision was made by the company to take newsprint demand out of
the marketplace, but there are other opportunities. This asset will allow other entrepreneurs to come
into the region. I know that the Minister of Business New Brunswick has received a number of
phone calls from a number of interested parties that we are now going to bring to the attention of
AbitibiBowater. They may be able to use this facility in another manner. We are going to leave no
stone unturned. However, what is very troubling today is that, on the weekend, we saw the member
opposite go into the community to fearmonger and use scare tactics.
022 14:30
Today, what the community requires more than ever is strong leadership. What I am asking the
member to do today is to put aside the partisan politics and work with us to develop a long-term
strategy, so that the people of Restigouche and the citizens of Dalhousie will see other opportunities
arise from this vital wood supply.
Mr. Mockler: I will accept the invitation of the Premier to participate. With the experience that we
have, we can find a solution to protect the people of Dalhousie, and we will do that.
I hear the Premier, and he has not responded. He has not answered the question. It is not to dismantle
the mill. Do you know why they are concerned? They are concerned because you told the Liberal
candidate in Dalhousie during the last campaign: Donald, promise anything to get elected. Do you
know what? He promised to deliver 10 beds, and people are still waiting for that. He promised 24-
hour care in the hospital, and people are still waiting for it. That is not keeping your promises.
Ce que je veux savoir est ceci : Le premier ministre est-il prêt à mettre des fonds en place pour venir
en aide au Centre d’excellence en bois ouvré, situé à Campbellton, étant donné que, dans le moment,
on a besoin de spécialistes dans le domaine et que nous n’avons pas d’argent pour venir en aide à
l’industrie forestière? Êtes-vous prêt à regarder à des solutions de rechange pour ce qui est de
l’industrie forestière? Vous avez tout réduit, Monsieur le premier ministre, mais êtes-vous prêt à
venir en aide au collège communautaire de Campbellton?
Hon. S. Graham: Again, I want to be very clear. We had a very productive meeting yesterday. The
union membership was very encouraged.
The member opposite, by raising his voice in the Chamber today, is not lending credibility to his
party. I would remind the member opposite that he does not represent the people of Dalhousie. The
Minister of Natural Resources does. The Minister of Natural Resources was in the community the
entire weekend. He was not in for a quick photo op and then out. He was there with the citizens the
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entire weekend, sharing the grief, sharing the pain, and looking positively toward a long-term
solution.
This must rise above partisan politics. Yesterday, I was encouraged that it had, indeed, transcended
political lines after the comments from the Prime Minister. Stephen Harper very clearly understands
the difficulties that northern New Brunswick is facing, and I am encouraged today that the federal
government wants to lend a helping hand in helping affected mill workers in the regions. We are
anxiously going to be working with the federal government, and I can tell you today that Stephen
Harper understands and this government understands. It is unfortunate that the member opposite
does not.
Ambulance Services
Mr. Alward: New Brunswick’s ambulance service providers have been left out in the cold, and this
government does not seem to care. It is incomprehensible that negotiations among the Department
of Health, Medavie Blue Cross, and New Brunswick ambulance operators did not start until August,
and it then took the department until October to send an initial offer. Either the minister and the
Premier have no idea of what is going on with these negotiations, or they have given Medavie Blue
Cross their full support.
My question is for the minister. If this government is serious about fairness and transparency, why
did he wait until the eleventh hour to initiate negotiations with the operators?
Hon. Mr. Murphy: The negotiations with the 39 providers have been ongoing for months now.
There are a few private operators that have not concluded with Medavie Blue Cross, which is the
agent for the Department of Health. We, on this side of the House, are concerned with one thing:
the safety of New Brunswickers. We have a uniformed ambulance service coming into place on
December 16. We will ensure that we have ambulances, equipment, and paramedics, because the
safety of New Brunswickers is the number one thing.
Mr. Alward: What is so concerning about the ministers comments is this. Certainly, the safety of
New Brunswickers has to be our fullest intent. We certainly understand that, and we certainly
support going to a one-service provider system. That leaves the whole question of why, if this is
such a vital move for the government, the minister has stalled and bullied the operators through
every avenue of these negotiations. Some of these individuals have been providing this essential
service for New Brunswickers for 40 years. Why has the minister refused to negotiate fairly and in
good faith with New Brunswick’s ambulance operators?
023 14:35
Hon. Mr. Murphy: If offering the private ambulance operators a percentage of next year’s contract,
which there was no legal obligation to do, is bullying, then so be it. They have been offered that. If
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buying them out of their equipment at fair market value when there is no obligation to do so is
bullying, then so be it. If telling New Brunswickers that we are protecting them, and that is our first
and foremost idea on this side of the House, is bullying somehow, then so be it.
The reality is that offers have been made. There have been no counteroffers made by the opposing
side, that being the private ambulance operators. Another offer was made yesterday. On Friday, that
offer will lapse, and that will be it. The number one thing will be the safety of New Brunswickers.
Those who fear for their health, who have heart attacks, asthma, trauma—it does not matter—we
are going to look after them. We are not going to worry about lawsuits.
Mr. Alward: Let’s talk about bullying. I will quote from a Medavie Blue Cross e-mail, which states:
George was wondering if we could earmark a facility in one of the communities where VanTassel,
Allain, Ralston, Daemon are located to lease instead of leasing from the current operator. I
understand from Doug that VanTassel is negotiating and we are getting close. I don’t think we want
Daemon’s facilities. That leaves Ralston and Allain.
What George is thinking is that if some of these guys delay the lease signings, because they are
unhappy with the acquisition offer—we need to show them that we . . . can move on without them . . .
At this point we just want to be ready to pull the trigger.
I am sure that the minister knows full well that those people identified were all members of the
executive. Clearly, this was a divisive and bullying tactic which was absolutely not in the public
interest. Does the minister condone this sort of unfair negotiation, where it is my way or the
highway? Did he instruct Medavie Blue Cross to treat operators in this manner?
Hon. Mr. Murphy: The operators have received a very fair offer. We indicated that Friday is the
deadline, and it will be over at that point. I am appalled that the member opposite and the opposition
have taken the safety of New Brunswickers to be their political toy of the day, much like the
member for Restigouche-la-Vallée, who does the political dance with the fortunes of the people of
Dalhousie. That is wrong. He went down to Moncton yesterday, simply to get his picture taken, so
he is dancing with the stars. They are playing a game with the safety of New Brunswickers. That is
wrong. Fair offers have been made. A new ambulance system will come into existence, and the
people of New Brunswick, no matter what their plight, will be protected.
M. C. Landry : Oui, on se préoccupe de la sécurité des gens du Nouveau-Brunswick, et c’est
important.
Is the Minister of Health aware of the future and ongoing liability requirements of the ambulance
operators for past and future claims? We are talking about liability, and they are not treated fairly.
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Hon. Mr. Murphy: I am aware of that situation, and that does trouble me, because the private
ambulance operators have an immaculate and perfect reputation in this province. They have served
the province very well. That is a concern of mine. An offer was made, and I am sure the responses
should be had from those private operators. I have indicated previously that discussions are
available. We need the private operators to respond. That is the nature of negotiations. The member
opposite has raised a point that does concern me.
M. C. Landry : Je suis content d’entendre que le ministre est concerné par la question des
responsabilités. Ce que l’on comprend, c’est que le ministre ne tient pas compte de ces propriétaires
d’ambulance. Ils font un excellent travail, ils sont au service de la population du Nouveau-
Brunswick depuis plusieurs années. Ils ont des dépenses, des loyers et des endroits où ces
ambulances sont gardées. Ce sont des entrepreneurs, mais le ministre ne prend pas soin d’eux, il ne
les traite pas de façon juste.
Given that this is a real issue, with serious financial implications to the operators, would these costs
not be included in any normal business deal?
024 14:40
Hon. Mr. Murphy: Business deals are based upon legal right and contracts in place. It will lapse
in the middle of December. The ambulance operators have been offered fair market value for their
assets, which are needed. However, Medavie Blue Cross has indicated that it can proceed in its
absence. The member opposite has indicated that there is a problem with regard to liability, and that
concerns me.
The money being paid for these assets is the money of the taxpayers of New Brunswick. I cannot
be any more generous than is obligated by law. Also, to ensure a smooth transition, I said that we
would be more than fair. That is the reason that an offer has been made on a percentage of next
year’s contract, for which there is no legal basis. On a global basis, we want to be fair. The operators
can take an offer with regard to assets, and they can litigate, if they so choose, with regard to a
percentage of the contract. There are a number of ways in which to resolve this. I just do not think
that the safety of New Brunswickers should be used as a bargaining chip by anyone.
M. C. Landry : Je sais qu’on doit être juste envers les exploitants privés. Habituellement, lorsqu’un
service d’ambulance est vendu, l’acheteur est chargé de la responsabilité professionnelle. On leur
impose cela pour les trois prochaines années, ce qui est inacceptable.
Medavie Blue Cross has not been willing to enter into any discussion with the ambulance operators
regarding the future and the past liability coverage. Does the minister realize that this places forprofit
and nonprofit communities and New Brunswickers at risk? Will the minister instruct Medavie
Blue Cross to enter in negotiations, in good faith, with the operators to ensure that all past, present,
and future liabilities are duly covered? Anything less would be irresponsible from this government.
HANSARD DAILY / FASCICULE
December 4, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 4 décembre 2007
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Hon. Mr. Murphy: The money used to purchase assets is the money of the people of New
Brunswick. My friend opposite indicates that a normal business deal is that, when you purchase a
business, you purchase the liability. We have indicated for many months that we are not purchasing
a business, because the only customers that these businesses have is the government of New
Brunswick, which is the people of New Brunswick. We are purchasing assets.
With regard to liability, yes, that is something that concerns me, because these people have operated
great businesses and have served the people of New Brunswick very well. They are being treated
very fairly. I do not like to hear the member opposite somehow fearmonger to indicate that the safety
of New Brunswickers will somehow be at issue, because it will not be.
Mr. Carr: We have asked these questions months ago. They were important then, and they are even
more important now. Because these questions could not be answered then and are not answered now,
that does not mean that the private ambulance operators have to be held hostage at the eleventh hour.
These are valid questions that need to be answered. These are operators who have received a
livelihood, because they provided good service. It is a service to the government and to the people
of New Brunswick, but it is also about fairness.
Talking about assets, is the minister aware that his department is in possession of the proprietary
business information that belongs to the ambulance operators? Will he agree that this is an integral
asset to their business operations?
Hon. Mr. Murphy: We are in possession of information ongoing with many service providers in
this province to the Department of Health. We pay for a service, including the service of ambulance
operators around this province. At this point, information is provided to us, and that information is
paid for. It is in the possession and ownership of the Department of Health.
Mr. Carr: The minister says today that he is concerned about the liability questions. Last spring,
these questions were raised about liability. The operators are very concerned about this, in particular,
the nonprofit and the voluntary operators, who sit voluntarily on a board for their community, some
for up to 40 years. This is certainly of importance. Now that we are down to the eleventh hour before
the so-called deadline, he says that it is important. Will he delay this deadline? “Delay” is a strong
word, but will he ensure that these issues are finalized and looked after before pushing the operators
aside? Two letters have been sent to the department from the operators, asking that the department
return this proprietary information, as it is their possession and their information, and that it not be
used. Is the minister aware that the department has failed to respond to either of these two requests?
025 14:45
Hon. Mr. Murphy: As I have indicated, we, as a department, buy services. Information is provided
to us which becomes the property of the Department of Health. To be clear for the people of New
Brunswick, a fair market value has been offered for the equipment and supplies of the ambulance
HANSARD DAILY / FASCICULE
December 4, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 4 décembre 2007
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operators in this province—the private ambulance operators who have 55 of the 125 ambulances.
The ambulances themselves are leased and will be taken over by the province at a certain point in
time in the near future.
With regard to the liability aspect, I have indicated to the member for Tracadie that that is a concern.
However, an offer has been made. If the private ambulance operators want to deal with this matter,
certainly, we are open to discussions. However, on Friday, it comes to an end.
Mr. Speaker: The time for question period is now over.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
A false charge was laid against me by the Saint John Police Force and I was denied the right to a lawyer!!!
I could have ended up in jail for years!!!
Is T.J. Burke going to protect the right of the less fortunate if the Police lay a false charge????
PRIERE DU JOUR - PRAYER OF THE DAY!!!
SPIRITUAL LIVING
Prayer and Devotions
Where Wisdom Lies
by Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Pray a decade of the rosary or make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in thanks for your faith.
December 4, 2007
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Luke 10:21-24
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Turning to the disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."
Introductory Prayer: I am turning to you, Lord, as the true source of guidance in my life. I believe that you are anxious to teach me your ways, which are so foreign to the ways of the world. I know that you love me and will never mislead me. Let this prayer refresh my hope for heaven.
Petition: Let me know, Lord, how I can better prepare my heart for Christmas.
1. The Not-So-Wise Children have a knack for seeing things in all simplicity. They don’t rationalize. They simply see and respond. Like the youngster in the Hans Christian Andersen tale who blurted out that the emperor has no clothes, children speak the truth even when adults sometimes look the other way. As we get older, we might start to excuse things that we once recognized as bad. Racy television shows are now "mature entertainment." Overindulgence in food and drink and material goods is "living the good life." Indifference toward abortion becomes "tolerance." Are there evils that I’ve learned to be comfortable with?
2. Father-Son Secrets Christ came into the world, in part, to reveal something of the inner life of the Holy Trinity. The notion of three Persons in one God would have never occurred to people of the Old Testament, or even to philosophers. The Trinity is simply beyond our human comprehension. Yet, we have a glimpse of it in the person of Jesus Christ. "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Christ’s qualities — his kindness, serenity, strength, nobility — give us some sense of the God to whom we pray. Do I approach prayer as a heart-to-heart conversation with the One who loves perfectly?
3. Sight for Sore Eyes Jesus tells his disciples how blessed they are to be witnesses to the Messiah. To hear the words of the Redeemer of mankind, to see his deeds — this was the dream of generations of the Old Testament faithful. Even today, many don’t know about Christ, or else don’t know about the real Christ. They embrace his talk of mercy and love, but ignore his demands for conversion of heart and justice for the poor. Learning about the complete Christ takes time. It demands prayer, Scripture reading, and works of charity. The center of our faith is a Person. How much do I really know about this Person? How much more should I be learning about him?
Conversation with Christ: Lord, I should be more grateful for the gift of my faith, and for what you have revealed of yourself. So many people live in darkness and doubt. Help me to appreciate the greatness of knowing you and to find ways of imitating you more closely.
Resolution: I will pray a decade of the rosary or make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in thanks for my faith.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Is this woman dead or alive????
This known panhandler was the talk of the City when I visited Saint John a few weeks ago.
I was told that she died???
Can someone give me some info on her????
Thanks...
PRIERE DU JOUR - PRAYER OF THE DAY!!!
SPIRITUAL LIVING
Prayer and Devotions
The Simple Centurion
by Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Offer up a sacrifice for someone who is ill or in need of conversion.
December 3, 2007
Saint Francis Xavier, memorial
Matthew 8:5-11
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from east and west and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven.”
Introductory Prayer: Lord, thank you for this time I can spend with you. These are some of the most important moments of my day. Help me to make the most of them, and to come away with something that I can share with others today.
Petition: Grant the grace of healing and/or conversion to a person in my life who most needs help.
1. Rare Roman A centurion was not the sort of person we would expect to approach Christ for a favor. A foreigner and member of an occupying force, he would have been alien to Judaism. Yet this officer likely had a lot of good will, and he was intrigued by talk of the preacher from Nazareth. The centurion’s good will is evident in his concern for his servant. The Roman looked out for the good of another person, and that might have been a factor in his openness to Christ. We too will often draw closer to Jesus by first being concerned about others, especially those who are suffering. A charitable heart provides fertile ground for the seed of the Gospel. Could there be someone in my life who needs my special help right now?
2. Humble Helper Our centurion displays another surprising quality: humility. "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof." So insightful were his words that, till this day, we essentially repeat them at every Mass, after the "This is the Lamb of God." Christ is so quick with his mercy that we can often take him for granted. The centurion doesn’t fall into that trap: An encounter with Christ is an awe-inspiring event that leaves the Roman feeling humbled. Do we show that same kind of deference when we approach Our Lord in prayer and in the Eucharist?
3. From All Parts Many from outside Israel will come to “the banquet in the kingdom of heaven,” Christ tells us. It’s his way of cautioning us that those who should be closest to him don’t necessarily show the greatest faith. Indeed, those outside the visible bounds of the Church might have the best seats in the Kingdom of heaven. It is not enough that we are baptized and have gone through the motions of receiving the sacraments. Our union with Christ demands constant effort, constant prayer, constant sacrifice. Do we live our spiritual lives with the intensity that Christ asks of us?
Conversation with Christ: Good Jesus, help me to see that coming to the aid of others can also bring me closer to you. May I never presume upon your grace. Help me to realize that to whom much is given, much will be expected. You have given me a lot with the gift of faith.
Resolution: I will offer up a sacrifice for someone who is ill or in need of conversion.
QUESTION PERIODE AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE!!! ADHD STYLE!!!!!
Last year, I refuse to blog question period because it's all BS anyway but some people wanted to post the questions in this blog.
Ok....you got it!!!! I'm not going to space it because it makes me sick just reading it!!!
These MLA'S need to take their ritalin!!!
Yes...It is QUESTIONS PERIODE ADHD STYLE!!!
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
Pulp and Paper Mills
Mr. Volpé: My question is for the Premier this morning. I hope he is the same this morning. I know
that a few years ago, he made a comment that it was easier to keep a mill open than to reopen one.
We have reopened one, so I am hoping that he will do the same. My question, Mr. Premier, is: What
is your plan to replace those good, paying jobs for the Dalhousie area? There were all kinds of
commitments made for the Miramichi area: Dalhousie, UPM, Blackville, even Juniper. There was
even a commitment to reopen the Bathurst mill, and we know what the result is today. My question
is: What is your plan to replace those jobs? You have been aware for over a year now that that mill
would close.
Hon. S. Graham:
Click more to read the rest!!!
I want to begin this morning by thanking the Leader of the Opposition. I read his
comments this morning in the paper; they were very temperate and quite constructed.
“People are hurting up there, but I am sure the Liberals did whatever they could,”. Volp/ said. “I
wouldn’t say they did anything wrong. There is only so much government can do. You can’t
subsidize a big company like that. This wasn’t their fault.”
It is that open-mindedness that I respect in the debate today, because it is important that we now
look to the future.
This mill was hit by the new market realities of today. The fact is, our government tried very hard
to keep this mill open, to invest in new technologies. In fact, we offered the mill $10 million of a
$22-million project to put in place a new bleach line to increase the value of the paper that was being
produced. The company made a decision not to accept that offer. I worked diligently, right up to the
eleventh hour, with the owners of the mill to attempt to persuade them to invest in New Brunswick.
That being said, the decision was made, and now we must look to the future.
026 11:50
Last night, I had the opportunity to talk to the Mayor of Dalhousie, Clem Tremblay, as well as the
member for Restigouche. All members are being impacted today by this decision. We will work
very hard. I am going to take a little bit more time today, if allowed, because it is very important that
we look at the communities that have been hit. In the Miramichi region, our government worked
with companies such as Atcon to help diversify the economy in creating a new steel manufacturing
centre of excellence. When the mill closed in the Bathurst region, we worked with Blue Note Metals
to see a substantial increase in the mining industry, and to reopen a vacated mine.
We are going to have to now sit down with the leaders in the community. We are going to have to
work diligently. I can say that we will work to overcome this challenge that has been presented to
our province today.
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
Mr. Volpé: As the Premier said, I am sure they did whatever they could to save the mill. My
question was, What are you doing for the employees? I could not get an answer on this one. If you
want to go back to Miramichi and say what you have done, the mill was not closed, and we also
opened a plywood mill in Miramichi a few years ago.
The Premier does not seem to have a plan, even though he has known, for over a year, that the mill
would close. I have said it before. I was there a few weeks ago. Somebody asked me about the mill,
and I said: I do not wish for this, but I think it will close. I have seen some numbers, which the
Premier has seen too, and I knew it would close. It is now closed. If the Premier does not have any
plans to save the jobs or do something for those people, can he at least tell the people here, and
across the province, if he has a plan to save the wood that was at that mill?
Hon. S. Graham: Clearly, today the Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
stated that he would like the federal government to extend the pilot project, to allow an extra five
weeks of employment insurance benefits to be granted to the affected workers in the region. That
program is currently in existence. We are asking the federal government now to extend that
program, when it is about to expire, to help those affected workers. That is the first step.
It is much more than just that. Our government is working with the entire forest industry. In fact,
the Minister of Business New Brunswick will be making a major announcement for an investment
for equipment for AV Cell in the Campbellton region. We are also in negotiations today with
Frasers. We sat down with that company to look at ways that we can see a substantianl investment,
which government can help cost share, for new equipment in the Fraser organization. We are also
in negotiations, as we speak, with Flakeboard. There is an opportunity for investment in new
equipment that will decrease the resin costs.
We are actively at the table with a number of these large forest companies, and our sawmills. Again,
we are faced with the new market realities. The rising value of the Canadian dollar, along with low
housing starts in the US, has had a dramatic impact on the forestry sector. Yesterday, the
announcement that the town of Dalhousie was going to see the closure of a mill that had been in
operation for over 80 years was devastating news. That is why we are going to work diligently now
to help diversify the economy, as we have done in other regions of the province, to help overcome
the challenges presented to our province today.
Mr. Volpé: The answer is that you are not ready to protect the wood volume, because you have a
policy in place that says it can be moved from one region to the other. If I were the minister and the
MLA for that region, I would be concerned.
We know, as the Premier has just said, that the impact is on more than just the mill itself. My next
question is for the Minister of Energy: What will the impact be for that loss of revenue, because
probably one of the largest power consumers in the province is going down? It usually buys over
$40 million of power a year, I am told. What will be the impact on NB Power? What is the potential
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
impact on consumer rates? What is the potential impact of closing some power plants in this
province? I hope it will not be the one in Dalhousie.
Hon. Mr. Keir: I would like to thank the Leader of the Opposition. He is dead right. There are
absolute impacts to NB Power and electricity generation in New Brunswick. There is roughly 110
MW of usage by the Bowater plant. It will have an impact on NB Power. They are working those
numbers now, as to exactly how it will affect all rates of consumers, and how they are going to
balance that load, moving into the future. When we have that plan, I would be more than willing to
share it with the Leader of the Opposition.
027 11:55
Mr. Volpé: Again, for the Minister of Energy, knowing that this year was probably a record year
for buying power from outside New Brunswick, there were quite a few power plants that were not
running at full speed this summer, I would say. Now, over and above that . . . My question is this:
Which power plants are you planning to close? You know those numbers. Some of them will have
to close if we do not sell the power somewhere. Which ones will be on the list? Would that be the
lousy one, because it is a small one? There are three in Saint John that are producing exactly the
same product. Are you planning to close this one?
Hon. Mr. Keir: As I said to the Leader of the Opposition, NB Power is looking at balancing the
load right now. It would certainly be uncharacteristic of this House today . . . If you are going to start
fearmongering about more jobs in Dalhousie, I think that is shameful. The fact of the matter is that
NB Power is now looking at those load balances, and as soon as a plan is in place, we will certainly
bring it to the House.
Mr. Volpé: I am not fearmongering. I asked the CEO of NB Power the same question in committee.
The answer was that it could always be a backup plant. I have it on record. A backup plant is
something you start up at minus 25° in January. That is a backup plant. This is not a baseload plant.
That is why I was asking the question. I think those people from that region have had enough
hardship, and maybe you should do your job and tell NB Power that, if it wants to close some plants,
it might look somewhere else. My only concern is for the people themselves.
Hon. Mr. Keir: The Leader of the Opposition, in that committee, fearmongered that day as well.
David Hay and I went up to Dalhousie shortly after that to assure the folks in Dalhousie that their
plant was not closing down. It was shameful back then, and it is absolutely shameful today.
Mr. Volpé: I would ask the minister to go back to what was said on that day, and I said it to the
mayor. It will not close tomorrow morning, because Point Lepreau will be going down, and they
need power in the interim, for a year and a half or two years. What I am saying is that I am
concerned that after two years . . . The CEO did confirm that, after two years, they will have to
review it, and if they have to close a plant, that one could become a backup plant. Read what was
said at that time before you make a comment, sir.
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
Hon. S. Graham: I think it is important today to add constructively to the debate that our
government is taking proactive action. Clearly, the Dalhousie plant has an integral role to play in
the distribution and generation of electricity. The Minister of Business New Brunswick is working
proactively with a number of the larger mills in the province today. The Fraser mill, located in the
member’s own riding, has come to government with a proactive plan that we are now evaluating for
how we can improve efficiencies within the mill to have long-term sustainability and stability in that
region. The same is also occurring with Flakeboard. There is an opportunity to upgrade equipment
that will allow that company to see dramatic savings on the resin costs within that operation.
This is a nonpartisan issue today. This transcends political lines. We are saying today that we are
working with all stakeholders. There are challenges, but, as a province, we will overcome those
challenges.
Mill Closures
Mr. Ashfield: My question today is for the Minister of Natural Resources. In the last session, the
minister introduced a new policy of dismantling rural mills and moving allocations from rural
communities. With the announcement today of the permanent closure of Bowater, what is your
intent for the allocation from that mill?
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: Thank you for that question. Of course, that was quite disturbing news
yesterday for all of us here, as well as me personally. Bowater, as a licensee, does have a legal
responsibility to manage the license, and we want to make sure that it continues to do so. We will
be sitting down shortly to see the future plans that Bowater has to manage that license. We want to
make sure that, just like in the Miramichi, the wood flows back to those sublicensees. There are a
lot of other jobs that are very important to this sector under this license, and we want to make sure
that we do everything we can to maintain those jobs.
028 12:00
Mr. Ashfield: I thank the minister—I think. I did not really hear an answer to my question. The
policy of our government was to temporarily assign allocations in the event of a mill closure for a
period of up to three to five years, in anticipation of finding a new owner or operator of a particular
mill that was affected, whether by closure, temporary shutdown, or whatever the case may be. I
would like to know what your position is in this case. Are you going to reassign the allocations
permanently, or are you going to temporarily assign the allocations equally across the industry, to
both the licensees and sublicensees, as has been the practice in the past?
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: I am glad the member opposite has made the comment about the past.
Definitely, as in other situations in New Brunswick, sometimes we do have to temporarily reallocate
some allocations. You are the member who, a couple of months ago, was against the transfer of the
Juniper allocation over to the Irvings so Fraser can still get its wood chips. At the end of the day,
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
you do have to make those difficult decisions in order to maintain as much employment as you can.
Today, I am glad to see that you do support that type of action.
Mr. Ashfield: Again, the minister did not answer the question. I asked if you are going to
permanently reassign the allocation, or are you going to assign it temporarily, as has been the
practice in the past, to both the licensees and sublicensees on an equal basis? I would like to have
an answer to that question.
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: The member opposite, the former Minister of Natural Resources, knows full
well that I cannot transfer these allocations permanently. There is a legal obligation that the licensee
does have that license at least for the year. We just found out at 4:30 yesterday. In the meantime,
we do have to sit down with the company to see what the plans are. If there are opportunities to
temporarily reallocate some of the wood in that region or in other regions, we will do that. At the
end of day, our main concern is the employees, as well as making sure that the wood flows back to
other users in the area.
Mr. Volpé: We have a problem this morning, because the minister does not know the difference
between a license and wood allocation. The question asked by the member is this: What will you
do with the access to the wood? The license is the management plan, but there is the access to the
wood. This is the volume we are talking about. Are you ready to keep it within the community for
some time, or will you use your policy to move it somewhere else in the province? That is the
question.
Hon. S. Graham: The former Minister of Natural Resources and Energy must be well aware of the
legal obligations of the Crown Lands and Forests Act, which states that a licensee has a one-year
period of not utilizing wood before the government can make a decision on redistribution. There is
a one-year period that is in existence now, under a legal obligation under the Crown Lands and
Forests Act, which very clearly must be met.
Temporary allocations can occur in the one-year period. Our government will look at making sure
that the wood flows to keep the economy in the region vibrant. Today, we have a challenge. Chaleur
Sawmills is going to be facing a challenge because it was selling chips to Bowater to offset the
decrease in the lumber costs. Today, there is no opportunity to sell chips to that mill. We have to
make sure that mills such as Chaleur have an opportunity to sell their chips to be able to remain open
in the community. Those are the options that we are actively pursuing now. I will be talking to the
Chaleur company later today.
Mr. Volpé: Even the Premier is confused this morning. The government has already put a policy
in place that when a mill closes, a formal closure, it is closed. The government can now move the
wood allocation from one region to another region. That was not there before. The owner said this
morning that the plan is to shut the mill down, which means that it will not reopen. The question is
very simple. Will you use your policy—as I have called it before, a stupid policy—to move the
wood allocation from one community to another community, or from one region to another region?
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
It is a very simple question. Will you allow your policy to move that wood allocation that was
attached, or can you guarantee that it will stay in the community? It is a very simple question.
Hon. S. Graham: I want to be clear on this today. It is no longer one community in New Brunswick
versus another community. It is New Brunswick competing against the world. The Leader of the
Opposition is having a difficult time today to understand that the market conditions have changed
dramatically.
029 12:05
Because of these changing market conditions, we have to be innovative, and we have to look at ways
to invest in new technologies and new equipment. Our government was actively at the table with
Bowater, right up to the 11th hour, even offering to invest in a substantial new investment for a new
paper machine. Bowater made a decision not to keep this operation open, due to the decreased
demand for newsprint. Today, a number of sawmills in the region rely, as sublicensees, on that wood
allocation and on the sale of chips to keep their operations viable. I want to be very clear on this. As
we continue to work with the sublicensees, we will be making sure that the flow of wood remains
in New Brunswick to the best of our ability, to allow all our mills to be competitive.
M. Mockler : Ma question s’adresse au premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick.
Mr. Premier, you should stop talking from both sides of your mouth. Mr. Premier, you should be
straightforward with the people of New Brunswick. Mr. Premier, stop dancing with your words.
Ce matin, les gens de Restigouche-Chaleur sont désespérés, démoralisés et choqués. Noël 2007 sera
terrible pour ces familles. Les exemples démontrent aujourd’hui que le premier ministre du
Nouveau-Brunswick fait volte-face et qu’il n’est pas sérieux. Au Forum sur l’avenir de l’industrie
forestière au Restigouche, qui s’est tenu le 21 novembre 2007, la semaine dernière, le ministre des
Ressources naturelles, de Dalhousie, et le premier ministre n’étaient pas présents. Aucun
parlementaire du côté du gouvernement n’était présent. C’est une honte. Les maires du Restigouche
demandent des rencontres avec le premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick. On n’entend pas parler
de lui. Les chambres de commerce demandent des rencontres.
Le premier ministre confirmera-t-il aux chambres de commerce, surtout celle de Kedgwick, qu’il
les rencontrera pour parler de la qualité de vie et de la sauvegarde de l’industrie forestière du
Nouveau-Brunswick, surtout dans la région de Restigouche-Chaleur?
Hon. S. Graham: It is unfortunate that, when the ideas from the official opposition start to run dry,
the personal insults start. That is what we are seeing this morning. In fact, the member for
Madawaska-la-Vallée is in direct contradiction with his own leader, who stated this morning:
“People are hurting up there, but I am sure the Liberals did whatever they could . . . I wouldn’t say
they did anything wrong. There is only so much government can do. You can’t subsidize a big
company like that. This wasn’t their fault”. Yet, you are contradicting your leader today. It is very
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
clear that, if the member for Madawaska-la-Vallée can only stand up in this House, yell, scream, and
use tactics that will not lead constructively to the debate, then I would ask that we have more
decorum for the people who are most affected today, the people who have lost their jobs in that
region.
Mr. Mockler: Once again, I want to correct the Premier. I am the MLA for Restigouche-la-Vallée,
not Madawaska-la-Vallée. Wake up, Mr. Premier.
Je vais vous poser une deuxième question ce matin. Lorsqu’on regarde les gens de Restigouche-la-
Vallée — et non ce que vous confondez avec Madawaska-la-Vallée — les gens chez nous sont des
travailleuses et des travailleurs acharnés. Ce sont des travailleurs et des travailleuses qui n’ont pas
peur de rouler leurs manches et leurs pantalons et de faire du travail. Ce sont des gens qui sont fiers
d’avoir choisi de vivre dans la région de Restigouche-la-Vallée. Les gens de Kedgwick, Saint-Jean-
Baptiste-de-Restigouche, Saint-Quentin, Saint-Martin-de-Restigouche et toute la vallée — nous
sommes inquiets ce matin. Rapport après rapport…
Royalties for hardwood . . . I hope you will give me some flexibility, as much as you gave the
Premier, on this issue. When you compare the sawlogs . . .
Mr. Speaker: Time.
030 12:10
(Interjection).
Le président : Le député…
(Exclamation.)
Le président : Monsieur le député, asseyez-vous. Que vous vous battiez ne me dérange pas, mais
que vous questionniez l’autorité de la présidence me dérange énormément. Si cela se produit une
deuxième fois, je vais vous demander de sortir de la Chambre.
Mr. Premier, did you wish to answer?
Hon. S. Graham: It is important to note today that our government is working proactively with
companies such as Groupe Savoie in Saint-Quentin. In fact, I recently met with the owner of Groupe
Savoie. We put together a number of proposals to help offset a number of issues facing that
company pertaining to hardwood. Today, as the member knows, the Bowater operation pertains to
softwood. There are two different issues here today.
I did not get a question. I can say that we have been meeting. Cabinet has made a decision to help
the hardwood sawmill operators in New Brunswick, pertaining to royalty rates. They have been
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informed, and are very receptive as well. We are working diligently with a number of the
companies, one-on-one. In fact, just to reiterate, we are in active negotiations today with the CEO
of Frasers, to see a multi-million investment in that company, to bring long-term sustainability to
the region by investing in new equipment.
M. Mockler : Puis-je poser ma dernière question?
Le président : Posez votre dernière question.
M. Mockler : Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le président. Je ne veux certainement pas questionner
l’autorité du président.
The Premier is very selective about who he meets. He has not met with the union president of
Bowater in Dalhousie. He has avoided all the representatives of the workers. However, he has met
with the CEO of AbitibiBowater, Mr. Patterson, but not the unions. When the Premier had the
discussion with Mr. Patterson, knowing what impact it will have on the families of the Restigouche
Chaleur area, and especially the Dalhousie area, and when he talked about power rates, can he
apprise this House what he offered? You were appraised that, with the refurbishment of Point
Lepreau, their power bill could move from appoximately $40 million to $120 million.
Hon. S. Graham: In our discussions with Bowater, our government released a comprehensive plan.
The first step in addressing the issue of power rates last Christmas was reducing the property tax
requirements on the facility. That was the first step. Our government wanted to take a much more
proactive step. That is why we asked the company to look at a number of value-added opportunities.
There was a possibility to see a new bleaching process that would increase the value of the
newsprint being produced at the mill. Our government was that committed to the project that we
committed up to $10 million under the strategic investment fund, to offset the $22-million
investment. The company made a decision, at the final moment, not to proceed with that route. We
have taken a number of proactive steps.
I want to come back to meeting with the union membership. I have visited that mill twice,
personally. I have met with the workers, personally. In fact, this summer I met with the union
membership in the Miramichi region, from UPM-Kymmene. We continue to meet with stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker: Mr. Premier, time.
L’hon. P. Robichaud : Ce qui est inquiétant dans ce dossier ce matin, c’est de voir le manque de
connaissance du ministre des Ressources naturelles et du premier ministre dans ce dossier
extrêmement important. C’est très inquiétant. On peut voir que le gouvernement est en mode de
gestion de crise aujourd’hui. Le ministre des Entreprises Nouveau-Brunswick a pris la peine d’écrire
un plein paragraphe dans un document de ce matin pour dire que la fermeture de l’usine n’est pas
attribuable au premier ministre Graham, que le premier ministre a déployé lui-même des efforts en
vu de relever les défis qu’affrontait l’usine à Dalhousie et que, à plusieurs reprises et pas plus tard
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qu’hier, le premier ministre a communiqué directement avec le président-directeur général
d’AbitibiBowater. C’est une chose de communiquer ; c’en est autre de persuader. Le premier
ministre n’a pas réussi à persuader l’entreprise AbitibiBowater de garder ses opérations ouvertes à
Dalhousie. Ce n’est pas d’hier que nous informons le gouvernement de la situation que soit affronter
l’industrie des pâtes et papiers et toute l’industrie forestière du Nouveau-Brunswick.
031 12:15
Ma question au premier ministre ce matin est la suivante : va-t-il finalement accepter la requête de
l’opposition officielle d’avoir un débat d’urgence qui est extrêmement nécessaire pour l’avenir de
l’industrie forestière au Nouveau-Brunswick? Après cette mauvaise nouvelle, le premier ministre
va-t-il finalement accepter la demande de l’opposition officielle, oui ou non?
Hon. S. Graham: It is up to the Speaker to decide whether or not the debate is in order. The
member for Lamèque-Shippagan-Miscou is in total contradiction of his own leader’s statements this
morning. The Leader of the Opposition, who understands the complexity of the forest industry, very
clearly stated: “People are hurting up there, but I am sure the Liberals did whatever they could . . .
I wouldn’t say they did anything wrong. There is only so much government can do. You cannot
subsidize a big company like that. This wasn’t their fault”.
I worked actively on this file. I was in constant negotiations. I was in Montréal, two weeks ago, to
meet with the vice-president. I had the CEO in my office last week. I also met with him in
Washington on one occasion, actively stating that the province of New Brunswick was willing to
be at the table and willing to invest substantially to upgrade the paper machines of that facility. We
even submitted correspondence to reinforce that so that the shareholders would be fully informed
when making a decision to restructure and so that New Brunswick was on the radar screen as an area
to do investment. Sadly, that route was not taken. I agree today with the member opposite . . .
Mr. Speaker: Time, Premier.
M. P. Robichaud : Ce matin, il est évident que le présent gouvernement est en gestion de crise. Ce
n’est pas comme si cette nouvelle était d’une grande surprise pour les parlementaires du côté du
gouvernement. Comment se fait-il que c’était une surprise pour eux, alors qu’ils ont pris le temps
d’offrir jusqu’à 10 millions de dollars et une réduction de 5 millions de dollars en frais d’énergie?
Toutefois, ils viennent de nous dire qu’il s’agit d’une grande surprise pour eux.
Le premier ministre a failli à sa tâche comme négociateur en chef de la province pour ce qui est de
convaincre AbitibiBowater de maintenir ses activités à Dalhousie. Ce n’est pas plus compliqué que
cela. Il n’est pas un bon négociateur pour le Nouveau-Brunswick. Sachant à quoi l’industrie
forestière doit faire face, le premier ministre va-t-il donner son appui ainsi que celui de son
gouvernement à notre requête, qui était la même que celle du printemps dernier, c’est-à-dire de
mettre en place un comité et de regarder à l’ensemble de l’industrie forestière? Combien de scieries
et d’emplois le Nouveau-Brunswick devra-t-il perdre avant que le premier ministre réagisse à la
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gravité de la situation et accepte les demande de l’opposition officielle? Va-t-il accepter notre
proposition, oui ou non?
Hon. S. Graham: May I remind the member opposite that this is not a situation that is unique to
New Brunswick. The Premier of British Columbia and the Premier of Quebec are also facing the
same challenges with the decision of AbitibiBowater to close down mills in those two respective
provinces. Our government is taking action. That is why we are working with companies such as
Flakeboard, Fraser, JDI, and the list goes on with a number of sawmills in the province as well. We
want to see long-term sustainability for investments, new technology, and new equipment to
overcome these market challenges.
I took an active role in the negotiation process, because I wanted to make sure that New Brunswick
was represented. I accept the responsibility today that we worked as hard as we possibly could. That
is why we are going to continue to work with companies such as AV Cell, which is going to be
making a significant announcement in Campbellton this Monday. However, I want to be very clear.
The CEO of Bowater commented today in the newspaper that we were at the table, actively trying
our best. Those were his comments, and I respect that. For the member opposite to insinuate that it
was political spin does not add constructively to the debate today.
Le président : Malheureusement, le temps pour les questions orales est écoulé.
Ok....you got it!!!! I'm not going to space it because it makes me sick just reading it!!!
These MLA'S need to take their ritalin!!!
Yes...It is QUESTIONS PERIODE ADHD STYLE!!!
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Pulp and Paper Mills
Mr. Volpé: My question is for the Premier this morning. I hope he is the same this morning. I know
that a few years ago, he made a comment that it was easier to keep a mill open than to reopen one.
We have reopened one, so I am hoping that he will do the same. My question, Mr. Premier, is: What
is your plan to replace those good, paying jobs for the Dalhousie area? There were all kinds of
commitments made for the Miramichi area: Dalhousie, UPM, Blackville, even Juniper. There was
even a commitment to reopen the Bathurst mill, and we know what the result is today. My question
is: What is your plan to replace those jobs? You have been aware for over a year now that that mill
would close.
Hon. S. Graham:
Click more to read the rest!!!
I want to begin this morning by thanking the Leader of the Opposition. I read his
comments this morning in the paper; they were very temperate and quite constructed.
“People are hurting up there, but I am sure the Liberals did whatever they could,”. Volp/ said. “I
wouldn’t say they did anything wrong. There is only so much government can do. You can’t
subsidize a big company like that. This wasn’t their fault.”
It is that open-mindedness that I respect in the debate today, because it is important that we now
look to the future.
This mill was hit by the new market realities of today. The fact is, our government tried very hard
to keep this mill open, to invest in new technologies. In fact, we offered the mill $10 million of a
$22-million project to put in place a new bleach line to increase the value of the paper that was being
produced. The company made a decision not to accept that offer. I worked diligently, right up to the
eleventh hour, with the owners of the mill to attempt to persuade them to invest in New Brunswick.
That being said, the decision was made, and now we must look to the future.
026 11:50
Last night, I had the opportunity to talk to the Mayor of Dalhousie, Clem Tremblay, as well as the
member for Restigouche. All members are being impacted today by this decision. We will work
very hard. I am going to take a little bit more time today, if allowed, because it is very important that
we look at the communities that have been hit. In the Miramichi region, our government worked
with companies such as Atcon to help diversify the economy in creating a new steel manufacturing
centre of excellence. When the mill closed in the Bathurst region, we worked with Blue Note Metals
to see a substantial increase in the mining industry, and to reopen a vacated mine.
We are going to have to now sit down with the leaders in the community. We are going to have to
work diligently. I can say that we will work to overcome this challenge that has been presented to
our province today.
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Mr. Volpé: As the Premier said, I am sure they did whatever they could to save the mill. My
question was, What are you doing for the employees? I could not get an answer on this one. If you
want to go back to Miramichi and say what you have done, the mill was not closed, and we also
opened a plywood mill in Miramichi a few years ago.
The Premier does not seem to have a plan, even though he has known, for over a year, that the mill
would close. I have said it before. I was there a few weeks ago. Somebody asked me about the mill,
and I said: I do not wish for this, but I think it will close. I have seen some numbers, which the
Premier has seen too, and I knew it would close. It is now closed. If the Premier does not have any
plans to save the jobs or do something for those people, can he at least tell the people here, and
across the province, if he has a plan to save the wood that was at that mill?
Hon. S. Graham: Clearly, today the Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
stated that he would like the federal government to extend the pilot project, to allow an extra five
weeks of employment insurance benefits to be granted to the affected workers in the region. That
program is currently in existence. We are asking the federal government now to extend that
program, when it is about to expire, to help those affected workers. That is the first step.
It is much more than just that. Our government is working with the entire forest industry. In fact,
the Minister of Business New Brunswick will be making a major announcement for an investment
for equipment for AV Cell in the Campbellton region. We are also in negotiations today with
Frasers. We sat down with that company to look at ways that we can see a substantianl investment,
which government can help cost share, for new equipment in the Fraser organization. We are also
in negotiations, as we speak, with Flakeboard. There is an opportunity for investment in new
equipment that will decrease the resin costs.
We are actively at the table with a number of these large forest companies, and our sawmills. Again,
we are faced with the new market realities. The rising value of the Canadian dollar, along with low
housing starts in the US, has had a dramatic impact on the forestry sector. Yesterday, the
announcement that the town of Dalhousie was going to see the closure of a mill that had been in
operation for over 80 years was devastating news. That is why we are going to work diligently now
to help diversify the economy, as we have done in other regions of the province, to help overcome
the challenges presented to our province today.
Mr. Volpé: The answer is that you are not ready to protect the wood volume, because you have a
policy in place that says it can be moved from one region to the other. If I were the minister and the
MLA for that region, I would be concerned.
We know, as the Premier has just said, that the impact is on more than just the mill itself. My next
question is for the Minister of Energy: What will the impact be for that loss of revenue, because
probably one of the largest power consumers in the province is going down? It usually buys over
$40 million of power a year, I am told. What will be the impact on NB Power? What is the potential
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impact on consumer rates? What is the potential impact of closing some power plants in this
province? I hope it will not be the one in Dalhousie.
Hon. Mr. Keir: I would like to thank the Leader of the Opposition. He is dead right. There are
absolute impacts to NB Power and electricity generation in New Brunswick. There is roughly 110
MW of usage by the Bowater plant. It will have an impact on NB Power. They are working those
numbers now, as to exactly how it will affect all rates of consumers, and how they are going to
balance that load, moving into the future. When we have that plan, I would be more than willing to
share it with the Leader of the Opposition.
027 11:55
Mr. Volpé: Again, for the Minister of Energy, knowing that this year was probably a record year
for buying power from outside New Brunswick, there were quite a few power plants that were not
running at full speed this summer, I would say. Now, over and above that . . . My question is this:
Which power plants are you planning to close? You know those numbers. Some of them will have
to close if we do not sell the power somewhere. Which ones will be on the list? Would that be the
lousy one, because it is a small one? There are three in Saint John that are producing exactly the
same product. Are you planning to close this one?
Hon. Mr. Keir: As I said to the Leader of the Opposition, NB Power is looking at balancing the
load right now. It would certainly be uncharacteristic of this House today . . . If you are going to start
fearmongering about more jobs in Dalhousie, I think that is shameful. The fact of the matter is that
NB Power is now looking at those load balances, and as soon as a plan is in place, we will certainly
bring it to the House.
Mr. Volpé: I am not fearmongering. I asked the CEO of NB Power the same question in committee.
The answer was that it could always be a backup plant. I have it on record. A backup plant is
something you start up at minus 25° in January. That is a backup plant. This is not a baseload plant.
That is why I was asking the question. I think those people from that region have had enough
hardship, and maybe you should do your job and tell NB Power that, if it wants to close some plants,
it might look somewhere else. My only concern is for the people themselves.
Hon. Mr. Keir: The Leader of the Opposition, in that committee, fearmongered that day as well.
David Hay and I went up to Dalhousie shortly after that to assure the folks in Dalhousie that their
plant was not closing down. It was shameful back then, and it is absolutely shameful today.
Mr. Volpé: I would ask the minister to go back to what was said on that day, and I said it to the
mayor. It will not close tomorrow morning, because Point Lepreau will be going down, and they
need power in the interim, for a year and a half or two years. What I am saying is that I am
concerned that after two years . . . The CEO did confirm that, after two years, they will have to
review it, and if they have to close a plant, that one could become a backup plant. Read what was
said at that time before you make a comment, sir.
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Hon. S. Graham: I think it is important today to add constructively to the debate that our
government is taking proactive action. Clearly, the Dalhousie plant has an integral role to play in
the distribution and generation of electricity. The Minister of Business New Brunswick is working
proactively with a number of the larger mills in the province today. The Fraser mill, located in the
member’s own riding, has come to government with a proactive plan that we are now evaluating for
how we can improve efficiencies within the mill to have long-term sustainability and stability in that
region. The same is also occurring with Flakeboard. There is an opportunity to upgrade equipment
that will allow that company to see dramatic savings on the resin costs within that operation.
This is a nonpartisan issue today. This transcends political lines. We are saying today that we are
working with all stakeholders. There are challenges, but, as a province, we will overcome those
challenges.
Mill Closures
Mr. Ashfield: My question today is for the Minister of Natural Resources. In the last session, the
minister introduced a new policy of dismantling rural mills and moving allocations from rural
communities. With the announcement today of the permanent closure of Bowater, what is your
intent for the allocation from that mill?
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: Thank you for that question. Of course, that was quite disturbing news
yesterday for all of us here, as well as me personally. Bowater, as a licensee, does have a legal
responsibility to manage the license, and we want to make sure that it continues to do so. We will
be sitting down shortly to see the future plans that Bowater has to manage that license. We want to
make sure that, just like in the Miramichi, the wood flows back to those sublicensees. There are a
lot of other jobs that are very important to this sector under this license, and we want to make sure
that we do everything we can to maintain those jobs.
028 12:00
Mr. Ashfield: I thank the minister—I think. I did not really hear an answer to my question. The
policy of our government was to temporarily assign allocations in the event of a mill closure for a
period of up to three to five years, in anticipation of finding a new owner or operator of a particular
mill that was affected, whether by closure, temporary shutdown, or whatever the case may be. I
would like to know what your position is in this case. Are you going to reassign the allocations
permanently, or are you going to temporarily assign the allocations equally across the industry, to
both the licensees and sublicensees, as has been the practice in the past?
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: I am glad the member opposite has made the comment about the past.
Definitely, as in other situations in New Brunswick, sometimes we do have to temporarily reallocate
some allocations. You are the member who, a couple of months ago, was against the transfer of the
Juniper allocation over to the Irvings so Fraser can still get its wood chips. At the end of the day,
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you do have to make those difficult decisions in order to maintain as much employment as you can.
Today, I am glad to see that you do support that type of action.
Mr. Ashfield: Again, the minister did not answer the question. I asked if you are going to
permanently reassign the allocation, or are you going to assign it temporarily, as has been the
practice in the past, to both the licensees and sublicensees on an equal basis? I would like to have
an answer to that question.
Hon. Mr. Arseneault: The member opposite, the former Minister of Natural Resources, knows full
well that I cannot transfer these allocations permanently. There is a legal obligation that the licensee
does have that license at least for the year. We just found out at 4:30 yesterday. In the meantime,
we do have to sit down with the company to see what the plans are. If there are opportunities to
temporarily reallocate some of the wood in that region or in other regions, we will do that. At the
end of day, our main concern is the employees, as well as making sure that the wood flows back to
other users in the area.
Mr. Volpé: We have a problem this morning, because the minister does not know the difference
between a license and wood allocation. The question asked by the member is this: What will you
do with the access to the wood? The license is the management plan, but there is the access to the
wood. This is the volume we are talking about. Are you ready to keep it within the community for
some time, or will you use your policy to move it somewhere else in the province? That is the
question.
Hon. S. Graham: The former Minister of Natural Resources and Energy must be well aware of the
legal obligations of the Crown Lands and Forests Act, which states that a licensee has a one-year
period of not utilizing wood before the government can make a decision on redistribution. There is
a one-year period that is in existence now, under a legal obligation under the Crown Lands and
Forests Act, which very clearly must be met.
Temporary allocations can occur in the one-year period. Our government will look at making sure
that the wood flows to keep the economy in the region vibrant. Today, we have a challenge. Chaleur
Sawmills is going to be facing a challenge because it was selling chips to Bowater to offset the
decrease in the lumber costs. Today, there is no opportunity to sell chips to that mill. We have to
make sure that mills such as Chaleur have an opportunity to sell their chips to be able to remain open
in the community. Those are the options that we are actively pursuing now. I will be talking to the
Chaleur company later today.
Mr. Volpé: Even the Premier is confused this morning. The government has already put a policy
in place that when a mill closes, a formal closure, it is closed. The government can now move the
wood allocation from one region to another region. That was not there before. The owner said this
morning that the plan is to shut the mill down, which means that it will not reopen. The question is
very simple. Will you use your policy—as I have called it before, a stupid policy—to move the
wood allocation from one community to another community, or from one region to another region?
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It is a very simple question. Will you allow your policy to move that wood allocation that was
attached, or can you guarantee that it will stay in the community? It is a very simple question.
Hon. S. Graham: I want to be clear on this today. It is no longer one community in New Brunswick
versus another community. It is New Brunswick competing against the world. The Leader of the
Opposition is having a difficult time today to understand that the market conditions have changed
dramatically.
029 12:05
Because of these changing market conditions, we have to be innovative, and we have to look at ways
to invest in new technologies and new equipment. Our government was actively at the table with
Bowater, right up to the 11th hour, even offering to invest in a substantial new investment for a new
paper machine. Bowater made a decision not to keep this operation open, due to the decreased
demand for newsprint. Today, a number of sawmills in the region rely, as sublicensees, on that wood
allocation and on the sale of chips to keep their operations viable. I want to be very clear on this. As
we continue to work with the sublicensees, we will be making sure that the flow of wood remains
in New Brunswick to the best of our ability, to allow all our mills to be competitive.
M. Mockler : Ma question s’adresse au premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick.
Mr. Premier, you should stop talking from both sides of your mouth. Mr. Premier, you should be
straightforward with the people of New Brunswick. Mr. Premier, stop dancing with your words.
Ce matin, les gens de Restigouche-Chaleur sont désespérés, démoralisés et choqués. Noël 2007 sera
terrible pour ces familles. Les exemples démontrent aujourd’hui que le premier ministre du
Nouveau-Brunswick fait volte-face et qu’il n’est pas sérieux. Au Forum sur l’avenir de l’industrie
forestière au Restigouche, qui s’est tenu le 21 novembre 2007, la semaine dernière, le ministre des
Ressources naturelles, de Dalhousie, et le premier ministre n’étaient pas présents. Aucun
parlementaire du côté du gouvernement n’était présent. C’est une honte. Les maires du Restigouche
demandent des rencontres avec le premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick. On n’entend pas parler
de lui. Les chambres de commerce demandent des rencontres.
Le premier ministre confirmera-t-il aux chambres de commerce, surtout celle de Kedgwick, qu’il
les rencontrera pour parler de la qualité de vie et de la sauvegarde de l’industrie forestière du
Nouveau-Brunswick, surtout dans la région de Restigouche-Chaleur?
Hon. S. Graham: It is unfortunate that, when the ideas from the official opposition start to run dry,
the personal insults start. That is what we are seeing this morning. In fact, the member for
Madawaska-la-Vallée is in direct contradiction with his own leader, who stated this morning:
“People are hurting up there, but I am sure the Liberals did whatever they could . . . I wouldn’t say
they did anything wrong. There is only so much government can do. You can’t subsidize a big
company like that. This wasn’t their fault”. Yet, you are contradicting your leader today. It is very
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clear that, if the member for Madawaska-la-Vallée can only stand up in this House, yell, scream, and
use tactics that will not lead constructively to the debate, then I would ask that we have more
decorum for the people who are most affected today, the people who have lost their jobs in that
region.
Mr. Mockler: Once again, I want to correct the Premier. I am the MLA for Restigouche-la-Vallée,
not Madawaska-la-Vallée. Wake up, Mr. Premier.
Je vais vous poser une deuxième question ce matin. Lorsqu’on regarde les gens de Restigouche-la-
Vallée — et non ce que vous confondez avec Madawaska-la-Vallée — les gens chez nous sont des
travailleuses et des travailleurs acharnés. Ce sont des travailleurs et des travailleuses qui n’ont pas
peur de rouler leurs manches et leurs pantalons et de faire du travail. Ce sont des gens qui sont fiers
d’avoir choisi de vivre dans la région de Restigouche-la-Vallée. Les gens de Kedgwick, Saint-Jean-
Baptiste-de-Restigouche, Saint-Quentin, Saint-Martin-de-Restigouche et toute la vallée — nous
sommes inquiets ce matin. Rapport après rapport…
Royalties for hardwood . . . I hope you will give me some flexibility, as much as you gave the
Premier, on this issue. When you compare the sawlogs . . .
Mr. Speaker: Time.
030 12:10
(Interjection).
Le président : Le député…
(Exclamation.)
Le président : Monsieur le député, asseyez-vous. Que vous vous battiez ne me dérange pas, mais
que vous questionniez l’autorité de la présidence me dérange énormément. Si cela se produit une
deuxième fois, je vais vous demander de sortir de la Chambre.
Mr. Premier, did you wish to answer?
Hon. S. Graham: It is important to note today that our government is working proactively with
companies such as Groupe Savoie in Saint-Quentin. In fact, I recently met with the owner of Groupe
Savoie. We put together a number of proposals to help offset a number of issues facing that
company pertaining to hardwood. Today, as the member knows, the Bowater operation pertains to
softwood. There are two different issues here today.
I did not get a question. I can say that we have been meeting. Cabinet has made a decision to help
the hardwood sawmill operators in New Brunswick, pertaining to royalty rates. They have been
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informed, and are very receptive as well. We are working diligently with a number of the
companies, one-on-one. In fact, just to reiterate, we are in active negotiations today with the CEO
of Frasers, to see a multi-million investment in that company, to bring long-term sustainability to
the region by investing in new equipment.
M. Mockler : Puis-je poser ma dernière question?
Le président : Posez votre dernière question.
M. Mockler : Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le président. Je ne veux certainement pas questionner
l’autorité du président.
The Premier is very selective about who he meets. He has not met with the union president of
Bowater in Dalhousie. He has avoided all the representatives of the workers. However, he has met
with the CEO of AbitibiBowater, Mr. Patterson, but not the unions. When the Premier had the
discussion with Mr. Patterson, knowing what impact it will have on the families of the Restigouche
Chaleur area, and especially the Dalhousie area, and when he talked about power rates, can he
apprise this House what he offered? You were appraised that, with the refurbishment of Point
Lepreau, their power bill could move from appoximately $40 million to $120 million.
Hon. S. Graham: In our discussions with Bowater, our government released a comprehensive plan.
The first step in addressing the issue of power rates last Christmas was reducing the property tax
requirements on the facility. That was the first step. Our government wanted to take a much more
proactive step. That is why we asked the company to look at a number of value-added opportunities.
There was a possibility to see a new bleaching process that would increase the value of the
newsprint being produced at the mill. Our government was that committed to the project that we
committed up to $10 million under the strategic investment fund, to offset the $22-million
investment. The company made a decision, at the final moment, not to proceed with that route. We
have taken a number of proactive steps.
I want to come back to meeting with the union membership. I have visited that mill twice,
personally. I have met with the workers, personally. In fact, this summer I met with the union
membership in the Miramichi region, from UPM-Kymmene. We continue to meet with stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker: Mr. Premier, time.
L’hon. P. Robichaud : Ce qui est inquiétant dans ce dossier ce matin, c’est de voir le manque de
connaissance du ministre des Ressources naturelles et du premier ministre dans ce dossier
extrêmement important. C’est très inquiétant. On peut voir que le gouvernement est en mode de
gestion de crise aujourd’hui. Le ministre des Entreprises Nouveau-Brunswick a pris la peine d’écrire
un plein paragraphe dans un document de ce matin pour dire que la fermeture de l’usine n’est pas
attribuable au premier ministre Graham, que le premier ministre a déployé lui-même des efforts en
vu de relever les défis qu’affrontait l’usine à Dalhousie et que, à plusieurs reprises et pas plus tard
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qu’hier, le premier ministre a communiqué directement avec le président-directeur général
d’AbitibiBowater. C’est une chose de communiquer ; c’en est autre de persuader. Le premier
ministre n’a pas réussi à persuader l’entreprise AbitibiBowater de garder ses opérations ouvertes à
Dalhousie. Ce n’est pas d’hier que nous informons le gouvernement de la situation que soit affronter
l’industrie des pâtes et papiers et toute l’industrie forestière du Nouveau-Brunswick.
031 12:15
Ma question au premier ministre ce matin est la suivante : va-t-il finalement accepter la requête de
l’opposition officielle d’avoir un débat d’urgence qui est extrêmement nécessaire pour l’avenir de
l’industrie forestière au Nouveau-Brunswick? Après cette mauvaise nouvelle, le premier ministre
va-t-il finalement accepter la demande de l’opposition officielle, oui ou non?
Hon. S. Graham: It is up to the Speaker to decide whether or not the debate is in order. The
member for Lamèque-Shippagan-Miscou is in total contradiction of his own leader’s statements this
morning. The Leader of the Opposition, who understands the complexity of the forest industry, very
clearly stated: “People are hurting up there, but I am sure the Liberals did whatever they could . . .
I wouldn’t say they did anything wrong. There is only so much government can do. You cannot
subsidize a big company like that. This wasn’t their fault”.
I worked actively on this file. I was in constant negotiations. I was in Montréal, two weeks ago, to
meet with the vice-president. I had the CEO in my office last week. I also met with him in
Washington on one occasion, actively stating that the province of New Brunswick was willing to
be at the table and willing to invest substantially to upgrade the paper machines of that facility. We
even submitted correspondence to reinforce that so that the shareholders would be fully informed
when making a decision to restructure and so that New Brunswick was on the radar screen as an area
to do investment. Sadly, that route was not taken. I agree today with the member opposite . . .
Mr. Speaker: Time, Premier.
M. P. Robichaud : Ce matin, il est évident que le présent gouvernement est en gestion de crise. Ce
n’est pas comme si cette nouvelle était d’une grande surprise pour les parlementaires du côté du
gouvernement. Comment se fait-il que c’était une surprise pour eux, alors qu’ils ont pris le temps
d’offrir jusqu’à 10 millions de dollars et une réduction de 5 millions de dollars en frais d’énergie?
Toutefois, ils viennent de nous dire qu’il s’agit d’une grande surprise pour eux.
Le premier ministre a failli à sa tâche comme négociateur en chef de la province pour ce qui est de
convaincre AbitibiBowater de maintenir ses activités à Dalhousie. Ce n’est pas plus compliqué que
cela. Il n’est pas un bon négociateur pour le Nouveau-Brunswick. Sachant à quoi l’industrie
forestière doit faire face, le premier ministre va-t-il donner son appui ainsi que celui de son
gouvernement à notre requête, qui était la même que celle du printemps dernier, c’est-à-dire de
mettre en place un comité et de regarder à l’ensemble de l’industrie forestière? Combien de scieries
et d’emplois le Nouveau-Brunswick devra-t-il perdre avant que le premier ministre réagisse à la
ORAL QUESTIONS 2 QUESTIONS ORALES
November 30, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 30 novembre 2007
gravité de la situation et accepte les demande de l’opposition officielle? Va-t-il accepter notre
proposition, oui ou non?
Hon. S. Graham: May I remind the member opposite that this is not a situation that is unique to
New Brunswick. The Premier of British Columbia and the Premier of Quebec are also facing the
same challenges with the decision of AbitibiBowater to close down mills in those two respective
provinces. Our government is taking action. That is why we are working with companies such as
Flakeboard, Fraser, JDI, and the list goes on with a number of sawmills in the province as well. We
want to see long-term sustainability for investments, new technology, and new equipment to
overcome these market challenges.
I took an active role in the negotiation process, because I wanted to make sure that New Brunswick
was represented. I accept the responsibility today that we worked as hard as we possibly could. That
is why we are going to continue to work with companies such as AV Cell, which is going to be
making a significant announcement in Campbellton this Monday. However, I want to be very clear.
The CEO of Bowater commented today in the newspaper that we were at the table, actively trying
our best. Those were his comments, and I respect that. For the member opposite to insinuate that it
was political spin does not add constructively to the debate today.
Le président : Malheureusement, le temps pour les questions orales est écoulé.
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