News Release

SUSSEX (GNB) – The federal and provincial governments are providing a combined $162,500 to help the Town of Sussex plan new economic opportunities to help reduce the adverse economic impact resulting from the January 2016 suspension of operations at the Picadilly Potash mine.

“Your government understands what matters most to New Brunswickers,” said Energy and Resource Development Minister Rick Doucet. “We know the importance of creating jobs, growing the economy, and securing and enhancing health care and education. We are focused upon growing a culture of innovation in New Brunswick and committed to supporting the Town of Sussex and its residents on developing this initiative.”

Doucet spoke on behalf of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

“Today's announcement is a perfect example of the good things that can happen when all levels of government work together to support a community,” said Fundy Royal MP Alaina Lockhart. “Because of the leadership shown by the Town of Sussex, the community has been engaged in a strategic plan forward, a plan that aligns with the Government of Canada's priority to invest in initiatives like this in order to become a global centre of innovation, which helps create middle class jobs and drive continued growth. As they say, when one door closes another door opens. That’s the type of attitude the Sussex region's residents embody every day.”

Lockhart attended for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The strategic plan will take a two-pronged approach. A geothermal technical feasibility study will be undertaken to explore the potential of extracting geothermal energy from the potash mine site with a goal of attracting new investments and employment to the region. Secondly, an inventory of assets throughout the region will be developed, which will be used to attract businesses and support the local supply chain.

The federal government is providing $92,500 through ACOA's Business Development Program and the provincial government is investing $70,000 in the project.

“The Town of Sussex and the entire region is extremely pleased that ACOA and the provincial government are continuing to support our efforts in dealing with the suspension of operations at the Potash Corp mine site,” said Sussex Mayor Marc Thorne. “These funds will let us implement key aspects of our new Economic Development Strategic Plan to enhance the economy of the entire region.”