Several jobs will be saved, now that the Clearwater live holding facility in Arichat has been sold.
Locally owned, I. Diveau Fisheries has made the purchase, which means operations will be up and running again under new ownership.
In a press release, spokesperson Christine Penney said the purchase will provide “sustainable, stable employment for a local workforce”.
“It preserves the legacy of the Arichat facility as a leader in innovation and quality, under a strong, experienced local ownership.”
Clearwater says, as part of the transaction, they will work with the union, stakeholders and the new owners to keep as many jobs as possible, with employees called back on the basis of seniority.
Our newsroom asked how many will return to the job, but those details remain unclear.
Joel German, general manager of I. Diveau, acknowledged the challenges the industry is facing.
“We know that difficult times may lie ahead as the current state of the industry, including the tariff situation, but we will work hard to manage through these challenges and keep this facility going and growing over time,” said German.
Residents were blindsided in February when Clearwater announced it was shutting down the plant.
It had been the towns largest employer in the town of Lockeport for 40 years.
