Dear Sir:
There was a promise of "no job loss" made during this process. It appears that may have meant only the directly paid employees (4 persons) of Darkwoods Forestry and may not have included the community they supported.
I would recommend that any future subsidies contemplated by the Government should include an investigation of all Dependant Contractors, Contractors and Business which rely solely or heavily on the industry which is likely to change considerably due to Government subsidy.
Case in point:
Cull Bros. Contracting Ltd., exists as an owner operated business occasionally employing up to 2 additional workers. It went to work for Darkwoods Forestry in 1987 and became a dependant contractor that year. It was a good job which represented 80 - 90% of its income. Equipment was purchased with the sole purpose of doing the required work better and more economically.
Because of the NCC purchase, Darkwoods can no longer do this development work because it does not fit in with the future plans of the NCC. Equipment which Cull Bros. could have sold at a good price with a significant amount of "good will" is now worth little. Such a sale should have offered the equity for retirement.
The result is a small contractor being left with virtually no work and a line of equipment that is not easily put to work in other places. As a small contractor, we don't qualify for any government aid or transition assistance. We don't even qualify for EI.
Recommendation: To alleviate tensions within the community these companies and individuals should be sought out and at least offered counseling and guidance for their future.
Sincerely,
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