Workers and retirees from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and all people in the region finally got a few modest details about what the provincial government is offering the company in the way of support if, or when, its labour and pension issues are resolved.
The provincial Tories have been careful not to say what support they are willing to offer the operation until it resolves its present problems and have kept that information between themselves, and presumedly, mill owner Joseph Kruger.
Even a visit to the city during the weekend by Premier Kathy Dunderdale didn't add anything in the way of insight into where the province stands when it comes to support — financial or otherwise.
Monday, out of the blue, Finance Minister Tom Marshall was willing to offer some helpful details on the government strategy while speaking on a radio open-line program.
Marshall, MHA for Humber East, revealed the province isn't going to invest taxpayer money into operational losses by the paper mill but government would, under the right circumstances, be willing to be part of an arrangement that would allow the company to upgrade the mill so it would be more competitive.
That's good news for workers, retirees, citizens of Corner Brook and the whole region where the mill contributes to the economy.
It would be too much to expect these negotiations go be carried out in public but it's time the provincial government told the people of the province — and those on the west coast in particular — where they stand and what they are working toward when it comes to investing in the future of the Corner Brook newsprint mill.
Spilling a few details here and there just won't cut it at this point when the whole city is on tenterhooks as the future of the mill hangs in the balance.
