A south shore town was blindsided by layoffs from its largest employer.
Clearwater Seafoods is shutting down the lobster processing department in Lockeport.
Mayor Derek Amalfa tells our newsroom, for the town of 500 people, the plant has been their largest employer for 40 years, and the council is deeply saddened and disappointed.
He says when two or three people in the same household lose their job, it’s a scary, uncertain time for many.
“All of us know of several people who are affected. So, at this point, yeah, we’re concerned for our friends and neighbors and community,” says Amalfa.
He says the town council did not know this move was coming, so they haven’t had time to come up with a plan. However, they will meet Friday to discuss next steps.
Scallop processing will continue at the Lockeport plant.
Employees in Arichat were temporarily laid off, with the implication that a new owner would hire them back later on, according to a letter to employees obtained by Global News.
Amalfa says he hopes no one has to leave the town to find work.
“We’re strong and we’re hard working, and we’ll pull together, and because that’s how we’ve done it forever, and we’ll continue to do that.”
He adds that the threat of tariffs from the United States is an added concern across the industry and the economy as a whole.
In a statement, the town says it is working to attract investment and strengthen economic opportunities to help mitigate the impact of the layoffs. Officials say they will continue working with partners to secure resources and pursue strategies for long-term sustainability.
Clearwater has not yet responded to a request for comment.
