Mr. Speaker, this month the Liberals must make a choice that will determine the economic future of Cape Breton and the jobs of hundreds of coal miners and their families.
A delegation from Cape Breton has come to Ottawa in a last bid effort to stop the Liberals from adopting a plan that would see the Cape Breton Development Corporation, DEVCO, turn its back on growing export markets for coal, resulting in the privatization of DEVCO and the loss of 800 jobs. More labour management conflict will put at risk the long term future of the Cape Breton mining industry.
There are alternatives that will save jobs and rebuild management-labour relations while saving the government money. These alternatives have the support of the community and the unions.
On behalf of the delegation from Cape Breton and my colleagues in the NDP, I urge the Liberals to fulfil their pledge to create opportunity and employment and say yes to a strong and viable future for the Cape Breton mining community by working in partnership with the community, the union and management to prepare the next five year DEVCO plan.