Hundreds of people turned out for a job fair in Sussex hosted by J.D. Irving on Thursday, less than two weeks after a nearby potash mine announced it was closing, throwing more than 400 people out of work.
It might be considered a glimpse into the hard-pressed economy of New Brunswick as the line of people looking for work stretched around the building.
READ MORE: Over 400 jobs lost as PotashCorp suspends New Brunswick potash operation
Inside it was standing room only as job seekers listened to the opportunities, gathered information and filled out applications.
Britt said about 165 positions need to be immediately filled, with a total of 3,700 between now and 2018.
A week ago, K+S Potash held a similar job fair in Sussex and next week another is being held by the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan.
Laid off PotashCorp workers from the nearby Picadilly mine were among those in attendance on Thursday. They seemed appreciative of the opportunity, but are still getting over the shock of the mine closure.
READ MORE: Atlantic Canadians to benefit as J.D. Irving looks to hire 7,900 people by 2018
“It’s almost too soon for me,” said former mine worker Dave Merrithew. “I don’t know what to do. There’s a push on to start earning money again, getting back out there, but then there’s pain.”
Others thought the potash workers should have been given the chance to meet separately.
“So it can be one-on-one with both, because it will be too crowded and it was more of a shock for us that happened right away,”,said former mine worker Troy Rankin.
According to J.D. Irving’s numbers, there were more members of the general public at the event than those recently laid off at the potash mine.
Anthony Cyr of Saint John was one of the walk-ins from the general public. He said he felt good about what he heard.
“I’ve been told I’ll be getting phone calls and invitations next week and we’ll take it from there I guess,” he said.
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