Forestry union applauds N.B. aid package

MIRAMICHI, N.B. – The union representing forestry workers in New
Brunswick says the provincial government’s financial package for Arbec
Forest Products is a welcome sign of confidence in the forest industry.

“We applaud the Government of New Brunswick’s support for forestry
workers,” says Chuck Shewfelt, Atlantic Vice-President for the
Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada.

“We see this as a sign of confidence in the forest industry, its
workforce, and the local communities.”

The provincial government is providing a financial package and wood
allocation agreement to assist Arbec Forest Products Inc. in reopening
an oriented strand board (OSB) mill in Miramichi.

Arbec recently purchased the OSB mill from Weyerhaeuser. The mill has
been idle since it closed in February 2007, resulting in the loss of
more than 100 direct full-time mill jobs.

“We are looking forward to working productively with Arbec to ensure a
promising future for our members,” adds Shewfelt.

The provincial government is providing a $15.3-million financial package
to the company, including a $1.5-million payroll rebate; a $5.6-million
term loan; a $1.2-million contribution for capital expenditures and
start-up costs; and a $7-million loan guarantee.

CEP is Canada’s largest forestry union, representing more than 60,000
forestry workers. There are 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in the
forest sector.