Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter seems to be preparing Queen County residents for grim news about one of the area's largest employers.
A temporary shutdown of the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Brooklyn, N.S. is scheduled for Sunday but a warning from the premier suggests the situation could be more serious.
However, Dexter wouldn't answer whether the mill is going to close permanently.
Last December he announced a $50-million assistance plan to keep the mill operating.
Today he told reporters the owners of the mill will soon issue an update about its future but he wouldn't go into details.
"What I would say to you is, I believe there will be an update with respect to Bowater shortly," said Dexter. "There is no question that we are continuing to see an erosion in that market that is very difficult. But I think ultimately it will be up to the resident management to make and explain the decision."
He did say the paper industry in North America is in very bad shape due to European competition.
Dexter says the Quebec-based owner of Bowater has received roughly $10-million but today he suggested the money has now been returned.
The company has not asked for money for any upgrades that were part of the December deal.
