Hampton Seeks Severance Questions

Criticism in the legislature yesterday over the lack of severance pay given to employees with the Buchanan Group of Companies.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton told the house while the forest company received millions of dollars from the government, none of it went to lay-off workers.

"There's something strange about this," said Hampton, "because while almost 2,000 workers have been denied the severance pay and termination pay they're entitled to under Ontario's laws, the Buchanan Group of Companies has done very well under the McGuinty Liberals: more than $30 million for road building; $22.5 million for the Buchanan company in Terrace Bay; a further $4.8 million to Terrace Bay Pulp; $26 million in deferred stumpage fees; $600,000 for Long Lake Forest Products. In all, the McGuinty government has handed out $80 million to the Buchanan Group of Companies. Did anybody-did you-call the Buchanan Group of Companies and say, "Some of this money should go to the workers to ensure that they're treated fairly"?"

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle did not say if the government would force the company to comply with provincial laws, but says it is working with those impacted.