Truro - Colchester North MLA, Karen Casey, is calling on Truro-Bible Hill MLA, Lenore Zann, to address the news reported today that a local call centre in Millbrook is closing its doors this September.

"Just imagine how people must have felt when they woke up this morning to find that a company that has employed hundreds of people in our community is closing. It is not good news, and I believe the Member needs to show leadership."

Like many, including Millbrook First Nations chief, Lawrence Paul, and Truro mayor, Bill Mills, Casey learned of the Convergys closing through local media.

Casey is wondering when MLA Zann learned of the closing and why she did not contact Chief Paul, Mayor Mills, and herself to inform them of the news.

"As the local Member, I would expect she would have received advance notice of the closing, and that she would have taken the necessary steps to work with community leaders to support the workers at Convergys," added Casey. "I would also expect she has taken this to her government and that alternatives have already been discussed."

Employees at the Convergys call centre were informed of the "discontinuation of service" on Wednesday.

Last fall, two call centres in Canso and Cheticamp closed due to a slowdown in business.

Casey, who is also the Progressive Conservative leader, called on the Dexter government to assist the call centres.

"When any business shuts down operations, I believe there needs to be more dialogue, and workers need to know they are supported by their MLA and government."

"I recognize the importance of the MLA in supporting their constituents, and I would welcome the opportunity to work with the Truro-Bible MLA to provide support and employment opportunities for Convergys staff.

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Michael Kydd
Public Relations Advisor
Office of the Leader - PC Caucus
902.424.4996 (o)
kyddma@gov.ns.ca