The opening of Neucel Specialty Cellulose is having a beneficial effect on the Village of Port Alice in a number of ways:

• Physician service – We have been working with (V. I. H. A.) Vancouver Island Health Authorityi to secure stable physician services for Port Alice.  To date, we have approached the BCMA and Ministry of Health to restore the Rural Locum funding for physicians practicing in Port Alice.  To assist us, Marilyn MacArthur, Manager of Economic Development for the Regional District of Mount Waddington coordinated a letter-writing campaign from members of the Regional District to the Premier and Minister of Health.  As well, Neucel sent a letter to the Ministry and VIHA pointing out the impact of physician coverage on our recruiting efforts, our WCB rates and our mill insurance.  We believe that Rural Locum funding will be approved starting on an interim basis. * Effective October 2009, Dr. Dana Hubler will maintain a Family Practice at the Port Alice Health Centre.
• We also note that the announcement of Neucel successfully acquiring the mill has began to restore equity to local real estate and has generated substantial interest from investors and developers.
• Neucel Specialty Cellulose is also establishing supplier relationships with North Island businesses.  We have filled out over 70 credit applications for local and BC-based suppliers.