Public outcry led to a March 2009 ministerial referral directing the Clean Environment Commission (CEC), a provincial advisory body, to conduct an investigation into whether the "temporary" shutdown should be permanent. Private citizens from across Manitoba, The Concerned Citizens of the Valley (CCV), The Boreal Forest Network, Manitoba Wildlands, Manitoba Wildlife Federation, The MFL Occupational Health Centre, and The Green Parties of Manitoba and Canada voiced their opposition to the proposal. LP has threatened closure of the plant if it is forced to keep the RTOs in operation. Local residents are concerned about the impacts from permanent closure of the RTOs.

Numerous organizations and individuals marked the anniversary of the RTO shutdown while reaffirming their commitment to hold companies accountable. St Adolphe resident Cheryl Kennedy Courcelles commented: "We in Manitoba are leaders. We are only interested in dealing with corporations that meet our standards. If we keep our standards high we will attract those companies that will want to come and be leaders here with us. Doing what is right, pays dividends!"