Member’s Statement – J.D. Irving contract jobs
Mr. Speaker, the Memorandum of Agreement signed with J.D. Irving on February 7th last year guarantees an unsustainable level of clear cutting for the next 25 years. What it does not guarantee is the number of jobs that will be created from J.D. Irving’s planned investments in its business. The Memorandum of Agreement contains an estimate made by David Campbell, who now holds the position of Chief Economist for the province. His estimate? 178 direct full time equivalent jobs may be created if Irving makes all its proposed investments in its mills– investments that forestry companies normally make in their own self-interest without 25 year guarantees on annual harvest levels for Crown wood. Thank you Mr. Speaker.