Bishop Anthony Burton of Saskatchewan has urged the provincial and federal governments to "do everything in their power to rectify the situation" of the planned closure in January 2006 of Weyerhaeuser pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert, Sask., which employs 690 people.

"This decision is a devastating blow to the employees and to the families of innumerable others who have built their lives as contractors of the mill," said Bishop Burton. He added that the decision "threatens to do serious damage to the local economy and cost jobs in a host of other industries and institutions."

Weyerhaeuser officials blamed "poor market conditions" for the company's decision to either mothball or seek a buyer for the mill.

Bishop Burton said the diocese is offering its prayers and pastoral support to those affected by the closure.