Dear Editor,
Administrating the City of Flin Flon, to coin a phrase, must be like pushing a rope uphill.
In light of Hudbay’s recent announcement, that hill just became a whole lot higher.
In typical Hudbay fashion, it seemed imperative that the news reach residents of Flin Flon before Christmas, bringing anxiety and concern for our futures. So much for peace and goodwill.
Of course, it should come as no huge surprise. Hudbay made no bones about the fact that there was an expiration date for the Flin Flon operation. They warned of the mine closure if no new ore bodies were found. We can no longer lull ourselves into believing that there is still ore to be found, or that Hudbay is attempting to once again destabilize the community and unions because it is a “bargaining year.” In time, the facts will speak for themselves.
In the meantime, we have to consider a “Plan B.” What form that plan will take is entirely up to all of us. If there was ever a time for strong leadership from our mayor and council, it would be now. I have every confidence that they are all up to the task. It won’t be easy, but it is my hope that somehow, we can all work together to move our city forward and continue to grow as a community. Everyone has an idea; we just need some sort of forum to express them. The city may be able to help with that.
We simply cannot continue to worry about Hudbay’s every move. At the end of the day, regardless of how residents feel, business is business and Hudbay has to keep grinding. We are all in this together and no one is exempt from the ramifications of closure.
It would be helpful if our provincial government could come on board with all of this, but they seem to have “closed the ranks” where the North is concerned. Mr. Pallister and his cronies may need a bit of a shake up. Perhaps he needs a bit of a nudge from all of us, expressing our displeasure at his apparent lack of interest in the futures of so many.
Looking at the positive, we have one very strong resource and that is ourselves. Let’s tap into it. We may surprise ourselves!
Doreen Murray
Flin Flon, Man.
