Nova Scotia premier says his government is open to helping Michelin if asked

HALIFAX – Premier Stephen McNeil says the Nova Scotia government is open to discussing help for Michelin Canada but it won’t be giving any grants.

McNeil says the tire manufacturing giant has not asked for assistance but his government would consider a proposal if it is brought forward.

The Liberal premier was elected last fall after a campaign in which he promised to end so-called “free money” giveaways to large corporations.

He says the government is sending three cabinet ministers to Pictou County on Friday for discussions with local politicians on how best to respond to the loss of 500 jobs over the next two years at Michelin’s plant in Granton.

The company says it will phase out production of small tires at the plant in response to a continuing shift towards larger tires in the North American car tire market.