It's an all or nothing deal says Pacific West president Ron Stern. His company's now before the Utility and Review Board seeking approval of a deal that would give the pulp and paper giant a break on power rates to help re-open the NewPage paper mill in Port Hawkesbury. Stern says either the company gets the deal or it will walk away from buying the mill. "We've modified it as much as we can," Stern told the board. "We don't want to appear disrespectful. But we've reached the conclusion that this is what's required." Not so fast says consumer advocate Bill Mahoody. He's recommending the UARB reject the deal, saying it would end up costing Nova Scotia Power's other ratepayers more money. But as Port Hawkesbury Mayor Billy Joe McLean pointed out to Steve Murphy on CTV's supper hour news last evening, those same ratepayers will end up paying more for power if the mill should close. Either way looks like we're screwed.
The UARB hearings are scheduled to last the week. Today executives with Nova Scotia Power present their side of the story.
I wasn't sure what to think with the news we're giving Jazz some cash to move its operations here from London, Ontario. Isn't this another corporate handout? But after another glance at the story it seems like a pretty good deal. The taxpayers are giving Jazz a $2.5 million forgivable loan based on employment targets, $2 million for training and recruitment, and a $12 million loan with interest. Premier Dexter says we'll make money off that plus 150 good jobs are coming here from London as Jazz consolidates its heavy maintenance work here in Nova Scotia. Am I missing something?
Litters 'n Critters' Shelley Cunningham told my radio show yesterday afternoon all 60 dogs brought in from Labrador Saturday now have new homes. This is a story worthy of a made for TV special. These dogs, mostly puppies, had to flee forest fires to get here and arrived Saturday thanks only to a specially arranged FedEx flight. Good to hear there's a happy ending.
So the politically-correct do-gooders at Capital Health put up a third figure on some of the health authority's single-stall bathrooms. So what. The third figure is representative of transgendered people. Capital Health says it's designed as a welcoming symbol meant to show acceptance of all people. That's a good thing isn't it?
Must be the weather. Except for Nova Scotia Power, I'm feeling quite generous today.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
