A Maine congressman is questioning whether Nova Scotia violated any trade agreements when it promised financial aid to help reopen the Point Tupper paper mill.

The provincial government is providing nearly $125 million to help Pacific West Commercial Corp. restart the idle mill.

Mike Michaud sent a letter to United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk asking him to examine the details of the deal in case it's inconsistent with the North American Free Trade Agreement or Canada's World Trade Organization commitments.

“I want to get all the facts on this deal and make sure Canada is living up to its commitments under current trade laws. The massive financial package put together for this mill has raised a lot of questions. As a former papermaker, my chief concern is about the impact these actions could have on Maine’s mills and workers," wrote Michaud in a release.

The former owner of the mill, NewPage Corporation, will be one of the new owner's main competitors.

In his letter Michaud said, "Maine’s paper industry believes the size and scope of Nova Scotia’s assistance is likely to lead to a decreased market share for the state’s mills."

"It is my hope that any violations by Canada of its trade agreement obligations resulting from the Port Hawkesbury deal can be worked out expeditiously and without having to engage through protracted, formal procedures that require Maine’s mills to first demonstrate injury before they can be initiated."

Earlier this week Premier Darrell Dexter said he's confident the province's deal with Pacific West could withstand any free trade challenges.

Dexter said much of the government's funding did not go to Pacific West, but was used to support woodland contractors and silviculture programs.