The Opposition MHA for Corner Brook is calling a $700 million proposal by Kruger to revitalize the pulp and paper industry an “exciting” opportunity.

Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney referenced “opportunities to restructure – in a positive way – the forest products sector” while outlining some of what was discussed during meetings with Premier Tony Wakeham.

Former Corner Brook mayor Jim Parsons, who was elected as a Liberal MHA in the last provincial election, says Kruger already operates wind farms in other parts of the country and he believes what the company is proposing is good news for the region.

“This opportunity that Kruger is proposing right now…taps into another sector – energy – tying into, with NL Hydro, into the grid to bring renewable energy, wind energy and back that up with the hydro power that they have. This is an exciting opportunity that means a lot of stability not just for the mill itself, but also for the sawmills in our province.”