Trouble brewing in Mackenzie
Posted February 4, 2009 by Sacha Peter - Link
Category: Environment
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Out in Mackenzie, the government had to issue an order to take over a pulp mill. The previous owners had taken the mill, but had not paid the people in a month, and there was a looming environmental hazard that could have happened.
It seems likely the government will have to pay some money to clean up the operation, and the ability to claim these costs against the owners might be limited.
Apparently the workers have now been paid.
Local issues are very important for rural ridings, and Prince George-Mackenzie is a rural riding – with popular centres of Mackenzie and the western side of Prince George. Although Pat Bell won the riding with nearly 50% of the vote in the last election, this could swing if there is enough alienation – former NDP cabinet minister Paul Ramsey was the previous MLA.