PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. - Nova Scotia's opposition parties say there are too many unanswered questions after the announcement of a major funding package for an idle paper mill.
The provincial government says it is hoped that the $124.5-million for the plant's prospective buyer, Pacific West Commercial, will help operations resume at the NewPage Port Hawkesbury mill this fall.
Conservative Leader Jamie Baillie says he wants to ensure there are protections in place for taxpayers.
Last December, the government announced a five-year, $50-million deal aimed at saving the Bowater Mersey paper mill, only to see the Brooklyn plant close some six months later.
Baillie says he hopes the government has learned its lesson from the Bowater deal.
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil says the announcement leaves too many unanswered questions, including why millions are being spent to improve efficiency at an already modern mill.
The plant shut down last September, throwing some 600 employees out of work and affecting another 400 forestry contractors.
