Thirty-nine new jobs will be created in Sussex thanks to a funding partnership between the Federal and Provincial governments and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Premier Brian Gallant made the announcement along with Alaina Lockhart, MP for Fundy Royal at Alantra Leasing, one of three Sussex area companies that will benefit from the funding.
READ MORE: PotashCorp mine closure has Sussex residents fearing worst about economy
“We’re incredibly happy and not just because there are extra jobs and growth in the region,” Premier Gallant said to the crowd. “But it’s with three well respected, solid businesses that we believe embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the Sussex region and the people of New Brunswick.”
“I’m still optimistic. I think we have many reasons to be optimistic as a province and as a region here.”
Mrs. Dunster’s Baked Goods will receive $165,513 from ACOA and $99,500 from Opportunities NB which will support the addition of nine new company positions.
READ MORE: East Coast Startup Week encouraging, strengthening local entrepreneurs
Timberparts Forestry Equipment will grow from six to 16 employees thanks to $150,000 invested by the province along with $33,600 from ACOA, who’d invested $500,000 at the end of 2014.
Alantra Leasing’s support comes in the form of $157,500 from ACOA and another $116,000 from Opportunities NB.
Over the next two years they’ll add 20 positions to their ranks, and already some of those now employed include former Picadilly mine workers.
“It’s a lot of uncertainty for people who have lost jobs,” says Alantra Owner Marcus Dewinter. “So if they can find employment it’s a great thing for them and for the community.”
400 jobs were lost when the mine suddenly closed two months ago.
READ MORE: Community mourns death of Sussex sawmill employee killed in workplace accident
For some, the addition of 39 new jobs is not enough to right the wrong.
“I’m a little disappointed that 39 jobs is not going to replace the 400 that was lost when the mine was closed and that’s the real issue,” said Brian Macdonald MLA Fredericton West-Hanwell. “I think we need to address that.”
The provincial government says on top of the 39 positions announced today, some 50 more will be made public in the coming days.