The New Brunswick government faces mounting pressure to release the details of a $2.4 million funding agreement with Agropur. The deal supports an expansion in Miramichi but coincides with the closure of the Sussex plant, costing 60 local jobs.

The Agropur Agreement Explained

In February, the province announced a $2.4 million direct financial contribution to Agropur. This money helps fund a $20 million expansion at the company’s Miramichi facility. The expansion creates 15 skilled jobs and increases milk processing capacity.

However, Agropur announced in April that it will close its Sussex area facility by the end of 2028. This closure results in approximately 60 job losses. The Sussex plant currently produces butter and powdered milk products.

As CTV News Atlantic reports, the Official Opposition wants the provincial government to make the entire contract public.

Opposition Demands Transparency

During question period in the legislature, interim Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie challenged Premier Susan Holt to release the funding agreement details.

“So that the public can know exactly when this government found out that they were going to be 60 job losses in Sussex,” Savoie said. “Or can the premier just be radically transparent with people right here, right now in the people’s house and tell them directly when she learned that there would be 60 job losses. She either knew in advance or was unaware. Neither option is good.”

Ministers Alyson Townsend and Luke Randall answered questions on behalf of the government. Randall defended the agreement and highlighted its broader economic benefits.

“Agropur had shared that it was assessing different scenarios across the Maritimes, and we understood that this could include potential operational changes within the region, including Sussex,” Randall said.

Randall added that the deal adds to the provincial GDP and ensures dairy processing capacity remains and grows in New Brunswick.

Local Impact in Sussex

If you live in southern New Brunswick, the Sussex closure hits close to home. Local PC MLA Tammy Scott Wallace expressed the frustration of her constituents.

“The people of Sussex feel blindsided,” Scott Wallace said. “They see their Agropur plant closing, where our amazing DairyTown butter is made, and the premier used their tax dollars to do it to them.”

Premier Holt told reporters last week that knowing Agropur’s full restructuring plans before making the financial commitment would have been helpful.

Agropur is also restructuring its Nova Scotia operations. The company is expanding production in Bedford while ending operations in Truro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Sussex Agropur plant closing?

Agropur is closing the Sussex facility by the end of 2028 as part of a broader company restructuring across the Maritimes.

How much money did the New Brunswick government give Agropur?

The provincial government provided a $2.4 million financial contribution to support a $20 million expansion at the Miramichi plant.

How many jobs are affected by these changes?

The Miramichi expansion creates 15 new skilled jobs. The Sussex closure results in approximately 60 job losses.