If you live in New Brunswick, you know how vital the forestry sector is to the local economy. The upcoming closure of the AV Nackawic pulp mill is sending shockwaves through the province. Late last week, AV Group NB Inc. announced it will temporarily idle its facility by November 4. This decision impacts roughly 350 employees. As reported by CTV News Atlantic, workers are struggling to process the news.

Workers Face an Uncertain Future

Longtime employees face a harsh reality. Erin MacDonald has worked at the mill as a lab technologist for 19 years. She says the workforce is reeling from the announcement.

“Still in shock and processing a lot of emotions, a lot of things,” MacDonald told CTV News. “Morale is down, and a lot of people have started to leave.”

For many workers, the closure means navigating the job market for the first time in decades. MacDonald notes that applying for Employment Insurance and updating resumes presents a massive hurdle.

“A lot of us, like myself, have not had to do a resume or be interviewed for a job in so many years,” she says. “This is going to be another whole process for us to do. It is not the same as it was back when we learned how to do it in 1995.”

Government Steps In

Provincial leaders are stepping in to address the crisis. Premier Susan Holt recognizes the severe blow this deals to the local economy and the broader forestry sector.

“This is a huge impact on the community, on those workers and on a significant amount of our forestry sector,” Holt says. She adds that her team is working hard to explore every option and provide necessary support.

Natural Resources Minister John Herron is also taking action. He is gathering information to determine the future viability of the mill.

“We are in the process of engaging at least one world leader with respect to doing an analysis of AV Nackawic,” Herron says. He explains that these experts specialize in large forestry installations like pulp and pellet mills.

Holding Out Hope

The local Unifor union represents about 200 of the affected workers. Union leaders are meeting with members to share updates and answer questions about the next steps.

While a full restoration before the November 4 deadline is unlikely, workers like MacDonald hope a buyer sees the potential of the facility.

“We do have a lot to offer with our chemical plant,” MacDonald says. “We make our own chemicals, we make our own chips, we are central, and we are close to the port.”

She emphasizes that the location offers numerous benefits and that many recently hired locals want to stay and raise their families in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Nackawic mill closing?

AV Group NB Inc. plans to temporarily idle the AV Nackawic facility by November 4.

How many workers does the closure affect?

The mill employs approximately 350 people. The local Unifor union represents about 200 of these workers.

What is the provincial government doing to help?

Premier Susan Holt states her team is exploring all options to support the community. Natural Resources Minister John Herron is hiring industry experts to analyze the mill and determine its future viability.