Local government leaders on the Sunshine Coast say they have a conference call planned for next week with the Jobs Minister, after word the region’s biggest private sector employer is shutting down part of its operation.
Paper Excellence announced late Thursday that it’s closing the paper division at Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, putting 180 people out of work.
The Kraft pulp and energy divisions will stay open, employing more than 300 workers.
Garry Nohr is the Chair of the Sunshine Coast Regional District.
Nohr also says it highlights the vulnerability of the local economy, and the importance of getting a coast-wide economic development effort off the ground.
Unifor local 1119, which represents the workers says it was caught by surprise.
The union says it’s now meeting with the company to look at options for the people who stand to lose their jobs.
