Peggy Nash calls on Catalyst Mill to protect its workers
Kamloops / 21 February 2012 – Peggy Nash, MP for Parkdale—High Park and NDP leadership candidate, today called for stronger legislative protection for workers’ pensions as bankruptcy looms for Catalyst Mill.
Catalyst applied for CCAA protection in a BC court on January 30th, which was granted.
“As the largest employer in Powell River, Port Alberni, and Crofton, Catalyst’s potential bankruptcy will put thousands of families at risk of losing their pensions if the mills close,” said Nash, who is scheduled to visit Powell River tomorrow, one day before Catalyst’s next scheduled court date.
“Catalyst retirees, workers, and these communities face uncertainty with Catalyst in court seeking protection from creditors,” Nash added. “Workers and families in Campbell River know this fallout first-hand since Catalyst decided to shut down that mill in July 2010.”
“Canada needs stronger legislative protection for the hard-earned pensions that are too often sacrificed when companies go bankrupt.”
Nash also wants the raw log export policy to change: “We need an economy that doesn’t ship jobs out with raw logs. Poll after poll shows that the vast majority of British Columbians oppose raw log exports.”
Nash will meet with local supporters to discuss this matter and other regional concerns from 12:30 to 2pm, 22 February, in the Malaspina Room of the Town Centre Hotel (4660 Joyce Avenue) in Powell River. Media welcome.
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