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Newfoundland appoints managers for lands formerly owned by AbitibiBowater

Two new positions have been created in Grand Falls-Windsor to help the government of Newfoundland and Labrador…

Two new positions have been created in Grand Falls-Windsor to help the government of Newfoundland and Labrador effectively manage lands that were formerly owned by AbitibiBowater. A Crown lands management officer and a Crown lands management specialist will assist with inspections and other related management aspects of the recently acquired lands.

“Crown land is a valued resource, and we place great value on our responsibility to the people of the province to manage it appropriately,” said Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “These positions within our Crown lands division will help us to focus specifically on the lands that were formerly held by AbitibiBowater, and help us continue in our overall provincial land management efforts.”

The Honourable and Chair of the Ministerial Task Force, said that the Provincial Government is committed to creating and fostering new opportunities in the Central Region.

“We continue to work closely with many community partners to identify opportunities and priorities in the area, following the closure of the mill,” said Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “We understand the importance residents place on their land resources, and the mill’s closure represents a significant impact on this resource with the land coming back to the Crown. These positions will certainly help us manage that land and also contribute to employment in the area.”

In December of 2008, the Provincial Government enacted the Abitibi-Consolidated Rights and Assets Act which resulted in the repatriation of Crown lands.