As members of this Honourable House are aware, AbitibiBowater�s decisions to first pull out of Newfoundland and Labrador and later to seek creditor protection had a wide-ranging impact on the province. It left many workers, seniors, and families in a precarious and vulnerable position.

While AbitibiBowater�s actions evoked fear and anxiety, it has also led to a sense of focus and determination to re-build the economy of the province�s Central Region. There is a renewed spirit of what can be done and what can be accomplished.

As a government, we are a committed partner in the region�s revitalization. We share the view that the Central Region has played a prominent role in the province�s economic and social landscape for 100 years and it will continue to contribute to a vibrant provincial economy for many more years.

Since the mill�s closure, we have announced financial investments totaling in excess of $100 million in the Central Region � that is on top of our other annual investments in the region. These investments have ranged from our unprecedented decision to provide $35 million in severance and other entitlements to impacted workers to offsetting voids in municipal budgets to initiatives targeting long-term economic development and sustainable employment.

We also recognize that a fundamental component of greater economic and community development activity is to engage those who know their region best � community and business leaders, along with youth and social activists.

Prior to the mill�s close, we established a 15-person Community Development Committee. Led by Cyril Farrell, it consists of community officials and leaders representing a cross-section of age, gender, geography, and professional experiences.

The committee has tackled its work with high degrees of passion and enthusiasm.

It has reached out to community-development groups, businesses, and local municipalities to discuss strategic opportunities. Members have also played a key role in providing the platform for the Provincial Government to discuss initiatives that impact the region�s social and economic landscape.

Its work may not be in the public�s eye but its results are. The Community Development Committee is, without question, front and centre in the Provincial Government�s response to the mill�s closure and we value its work in advancing sector-development initiatives in such areas as agri-foods, tourism, and knowledge-based industries and helping to create sustainable, long-term economic opportunities for the region.

I would like to thank the members for their contribution and I look forward to continuing our relationship in the future. Together, we can identify and realize opportunities that lead to a stronger, more diversified Central Region.