FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11th, 2014
MP for Labrador
Yvonne Jones
There have been major developments with regards to the status of Wabush’s Scully Mine. Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, had these comments on the developments:
“It has just been made public that Cliffs Natural Resources is idling their Scully Mine in Labrador-the third largest Iron Ore mine in Canada, along with some other cutbacks to their facilities in other provinces. This move will have a direct impact on hundreds of unionized and non-unionized workers in Wabush and Labrador city. To put this shutdown into perspective, over 60% of the affected work force has less than 10 years of service at this mine, which shows how relatively new the workforce is. Many of these individuals borrowed money to buy houses at a time when housing prices soared and were at their highest level ever in the history of the communities in Labrador West. This is a tight-knit community that has been working hard every day to make a good living and provide for their families, and it cannot be understated how major an impact this will have on every person in the area.”
Ms. Jones went on to note the challenges that Labradorians have faced thanks to a lack of support from their Provincial government:
“The Provincial government has not come through for Labradorians when it has mattered most. They delayed making their decision with regards to Julienne Lake for 8 months, and failed to provide for the transmission infrastructure support for Alderon Mines for them to move forward. This government is holding Labrador back and preventing Labradorians for taking full advantage of all opportunities that can benefit us directly. It would seem their only interest is taking from Labrador. The lack of leadership from the Province in recent years has been abysmal and shows a regression of adequate support. I am very concerned for the future of the Wabush Scully Mine and the many works and communities who depend on it.”
Ms. Jones also reiterated her support and dedication to find a solution to this concerning development:
“I am here to work with Cliffs and its partners, as well as with the union and the communities to mitigate the impact of this idling and find long term solutions. Over the last weekend, I was in Labrador West to meet with the union and town in anticipation of a change in operations by the company. I will be having further talks with Cliffs tonight and in the days ahead. I take some solace in the fact that the mine can still restart production hopefully soon, and the company is willing to work on finding efficiencies with finances and production levels.”
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Media contact:
Christian von Donat
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