New Brunswick's opposition parties have revealed that Agropur, the dairy cooperative, considered closing its Sussex-area plant years before the official announcement. The disclosure came during a legislative session in Fredericton on Wednesday, sparking debate over the company's transparency and the provincial government's role in retaining jobs.
Opposition Raises Concerns
Progressive Conservative MLA John Smith stated that internal documents suggest Agropur's leadership discussed shuttering the facility as early as 2023. 'This was not a sudden decision,' he said. 'The company has been planning this for years, and the government failed to act.' The plant employs over 200 workers and supports local dairy farmers.
Liberal leader Susan Brown echoed the sentiment, calling for a full investigation into Agropur's deliberations. 'We need to know what the government knew and when they knew it,' she said. 'Families and communities are at stake.'
Government Response
Agriculture Minister Marie Richard defended the province's efforts, stating that officials had engaged with Agropur in recent months to explore alternatives. 'We have been working diligently to find solutions, but ultimately, the decision rests with the company,' she said. Richard also noted that the government has allocated funds for retraining and economic diversification in the region.
However, opposition members remain skeptical. Green Party leader David Green argued that the government should have been more proactive. 'If they knew about this risk years ago, why wasn't a contingency plan in place?' he asked.
Impact on the Community
The Sussex area, already hit by previous industrial closures, faces economic uncertainty. Local farmer Mark Taylor expressed frustration: 'This plant is the backbone of our dairy community. Without it, many of us will have to sell our farms.'
Agropur has not commented on the opposition's claims but previously stated that the closure is part of a broader restructuring effort to improve efficiency.
