To the Editor:
I am writing in response to a front page article in the Oct. 17 Thompson Citizen.
I find the remarks concerning the factors leading to uncertainty in our city objectionable, to say the least; that is, the remarks of Mr. Alistair Ross.
Blaming environmental regulations for the surface closure is an outdated excuse for lack of corporate integrity. Welcome to Canada, Mr. Ross, where sustainable development is the way of future generations. If an industry is unwilling to follow environmental laws, leave Thompson and relocate to a Third World nation.
The other point that is deeply offensive to me is his contention that labour costs were a big factor. Yes, if only workers would work for nothing? Three generations of people in this region made Inco the success story it is.
The taxpayers invested heavily in the future your company promised 10 years ago, only to be hoodwinked into accepting the fact that the new company had no intention or infrastructure in place to modernize Thompson’s surface operations in the first place.
We know the strategy you employ, Mr. Ross, so in preparation for bashing the local unionized workforce, I have only one question to put before you Mr. Ross. “Have you no shame?”
Angus Campbell
Thompson
