CBC News is reporting that AbitibiBowater unexpectedly shut its woods operations in central Newfoundland this morning.
Undoubtedly this is related to the expropriation earlier this week by the provincial government of all hydroelectric assets accompanied by the cancellation of the mill’s timber licenses.
Some are characterising this as “retaliation” for the expropriation.
More likely, it is a refusal by the company to accept any temporary access to the woods which would – in itself – accept the expropriation and cancellation as legal.
Don’t be surprised if the mill closes this week with the company saying it has neither power or feedstock for the mill.
Update: Canadian Press has a little bit of detail in front of a huge recitation of the story thus far.
-srbp-