Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good morning, Mr. Paterson and Mr. Robertson.
We are here today to question AbitibiBowater about its financial restructuring plan and the best way of helping a community like Dolbeau-Mistassini to implement its plan to reopen its paper mill based on a unique initiative in Quebec for an integrated forestry complex.
I am troubled by the lack of respect and determination demonstrated by AbitibiBowater with respect to those communities that are, or will be, affected by permanent closures of paper mills and sawmills in Quebec. We understand that AbitibiBowater has to survive in order to keep its plants operating. However, I do question its intentions and its approach, given that AbitibiBowater is now shutting down paper mills and sawmills that it no longer wants, simply abandoning these single industry communities which have always been loyal to the industry.
Mr. Paterson, the former Manager of the Dolbeau-Mistassini paper mill has said that the mill was profitable. The resource is located close by. The workers cooperated, as did the community. So, why did you decide to shut down the Dolbeau-Mistassini mill?