The pending closure of the AV Nackawic mill directly impacts the economy across New Brunswick. Here in the city, Port Saint John faces an immediate drop in business. The mill idling removes a large portion of export volume from the local docks. Here is what you need to know about the impact on your local port.

The Economic Impact on the Port

According to a recent report from CTV News Atlantic, the mill accounts for a major share of the port export business. Port Saint John president and CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks calls the closure a significant economic blow to the province.

“They represent about eight to 10 per cent of our containerized traffic, and upwards of 15 to 20 per cent of the export containers that are coming out of the port,” Bell Estabrooks told CTV News. These containers previously arrived already packed with forestry products destined for South America and other overseas markets. With a fifth of the container business gone, port officials are actively contacting other shipping lines and local businesses to replace the lost volume.

Port Operations Remain Stable

Despite the sudden drop in container traffic, you will not see layoffs at Port Saint John. The port relies on a diverse range of cargo to stay profitable.

“While containers are down slightly after five years of kind of massive growth, our break bulk business is up,” Bell Estabrooks said. Potash exports and liquid bulk facilities both show strong growth. The cruise ship sector also remains steady. Looking ahead, port leadership will explore opportunities within the Canadian defence sector to drive future expansion.

Union Fights for Mill Workers

In Nackawic, the situation remains uncertain for the 350 mill employees. Unifor 219 president Grant Charlton says the union has heard nothing from AV Group NB Inc since the initial closure announcement in the middle of September.

The union wants the company to heat the mill this winter to protect the equipment from freezing temperatures. So far, the company rejects that proposal. To help displaced workers, a job fair runs in Nackawic from October 19 to 21. Charlton notes that skilled tradespeople receive frequent recruitment calls, but operational staff face a tougher job market. The union continues to advocate for a new investor to purchase and reopen the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Nackawic mill closure cause layoffs at Port Saint John?

No. Port Saint John confirmed there will be no layoffs. Growth in potash, liquid bulk, and cruise sectors offsets the loss in container traffic.

How much of the port business came from the Nackawic mill?

The mill accounted for eight to 10 percent of total containerized traffic and 15 to 20 percent of export containers at Port Saint John.

What is happening to the workers at the Nackawic mill?

A job fair takes place from October 19 to 21 to help the 350 affected employees find new work. The union also continues to search for a new investor to save the mill.