The Manitoba Government is set to support a Task Force to help the City of Thompson to address the economic impacts that are expected with the closure of Vale’s refinery and smelter.

The closure, which will take place in 2017, will have a significant impact on the city. The City is interested in creating a Task Force to help with the immediate effects.

In a letter to the City, Jan Forester, Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Development, says that the province can provide some financial support for a Project Manager.

The Task Force would be in place for a project called Thompson 2020 which would address the future of Thompson.