Opposition Calls For Inquiry Into Pulp Mill

Opposition Calls For Inquiry Into Pulp Mill

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 13:07

The Saskatchewan Party is calling for a public inquiry into the millions of dollars of public money that has been drained in the Meadow Lake pulp mill.

SaskParty MLA Elwin Hermanson notes the $800 million sunk into this venture represents the biggest loss of taxpayers’ dollars in the history of the province.

Hermanson says the Saskatchewan Party wants the public inquiry include representatives from First Nations, the forestry sector and local communities.

The Opposition also wants public hearings held in Meadow Lake and a report on the inquiry’s findings made public within 180 days of the start of the hearings.

As well, Hermanson says recommendations would need to be developed from the inquiry, with a timeline set for implementing those recommendations.

Hermanson also feels a proposal by Liberal Leader David Karwacki to have the Provincial Auditor review the mill “is a step in the right direction, but is too narrow in scope”.

The pulp mill sought protection from its creditors late last year.