As all members in this Honourable House are well aware there are many communities in the Central Region impacted by AbitibiBowater�s decision to cease its local operations.

To best respond to the needs of the communities and region, the Provincial Government mobilized a team of senior ministers and officials representing a broad range of departments to work with community groups, unions, communities and businesses to provide solutions to mitigate the loss of employment in the region.

Last month, in collaboration with other members of the Ministerial Task Force, I announced members of a Community Development Committee who will develop and implement strategies to advance short- and long-term sector and project opportunities for the Central Region. We are extremely pleased with the broad representation of the 15-person committee that encompasses a wide range of community and business interests.

Two weeks ago the Minister of Finance stood in this Honourable House and communicated to the Central Region that a collective and collaborative approach is required to strengthen the area. He indicated, and I agree, that it "will take time to see and feel the impact of investments but we are standing shoulder to shoulder with you to work through these challenging times."

In his remarks he also announced $40 million in new initiatives for the Central Region.

Rex Barnes, Mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor, reported that it was a positive budget for the area. In particular, he felt that the announcement for the youth and drug addiction centre for the area was "enormous."

When AbitibiBowater opted to cease operations it also left a void in the budgets of local municipalities who secured grants in lieu of taxes from the company.

Today, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will step-in and fill that void.

This investment will enable the communities of Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishop�s Falls, Botwood and Buchans to continue to deliver important services to their residents. The total amount of the investment in each community will be determined upon further analysis and consultation with the Department of Municipal Affairs.

As I conclude, the Premier, Cabinet, MHAs, and departmental officials are actively engaged in the Central Region. The region�s success is important to the continued economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador and we are committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that its importance continues today, tomorrow, and into the future.