Tim Fox tells the CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live the shutdown is devastating, but he’s hopeful new investment can secure the community’s future
Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox was blunt on CBC Television’s Rosemary Barton Live on Sunday, Nov. 8. He was invited on the show to discuss the recent mill closure and his community’s future.
When asked what message he wanted to send to Prime Minister Mark Carney, he answered directly.
“Send help, and send it soon,” he told a national audience.
AV Nackawic closed its Western New Brunswick mill on Nov. 4, citing the global economy, while the union cited a lack of maintenance and mill upgrades for the shutdown.
Fox told Barton that tariffs aren’t the leading cause of the shutdown; several factors contributed. He described the shutdown as a “devastating blow” for the community, especially before Christmas.
“The markets in the forest industry in general just aren’t very good right now, so it’s a struggle,” Fox explained.
The mill’s shutdown has left about 350 people without work. Fox is concerned that people will leave the municipality to find employment elsewhere. He said the shutdown was a big blow, despite efforts by council and the community’s economic development corporation to advance the local economy.
However, Fox remains hopeful. With the recent federal budget earmarking $6.5 billion for the forestry sector, he believes Nackawic-Millville will continue its legacy as a forestry town.
“I’m optimistic. We’ve been a forestry town for decades, and I think we’ll continue to be a forestry town going forward. I think we just need a new operator to step in and show us some interest in the plant that’s here. With some help, we can reimagine our future,” said Fox.
Fox is also optimistic that the results from the American midterms will ease some of the worry surrounding the Canada-U.S. tariff war.
“We’re hopeful. I think it’s really just created uncertainty in the markets and that’s what everyone is trying to deal with right now,” said Fox.
Fox and his council have been working closely with the provincial and federal government and non-profit partners, meeting weekly to find ways to mitigate the situation.
Mill workers seeking employment support can go to Working NB at the Nackawic Mall, where employment counsellors can help them find opportunities and training.
On Nov. 30, at 6 p.m., Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation will host a Business Forum at the local Lions Club. CBDC, Opportunities NB, ACOA, and more will participate. The forum was organized to help business owners navigate the mill closure.
