Today is the last day of operations at Northern Pulp.

I have wanted to be more involved in the public conversation around the looming closure and next steps for the forestry sector in our province, but was taken out of commission to deal with the loss of our newborn daughter just as the decision came to a head. I’ve struggled to find the right words since coming back to work.

While I know many in our community are pleased with the Province’s decision to close Boat Harbour, I urge everyone to be sympathetic to the many workers who have been affected by the closure through no fault of their own.

I’ve spoken to too many workers who have let me know that they find themselves on the receiving end of negative comments or stares in public, simply because they are wearing their Northern Pulp jacket. The people who don’t have a job to go to tomorrow are good people. They are our friends, neighbours, and classmates. Many of them were able to stay here in Pictou County because of the Mill’s presence at home and are now considering whether they can stay in Nova Scotia at all.

As I’ve returned to work over the past few weeks (and in fact for a significant period of time before the Premier’s decision in December), I’ve been having conversations with my federal colleagues to discuss how we can support workers through existing programs, and how we can potentially create new supports for the forestry sector at home. I will continue to work toward securing investments that will assist those in need and complement whatever programming comes out of the Province’s $50 Million transition fund. I will also continue to work on opportunities to grow our local economy to create opportunities for people who call Northern Nova Scotia home.

This closure will be hard on our community and will impact our Province’s forestry sector more broadly. I have faith that our community will overcome this challenge, but know that many will be negatively impacted by the wind down of operations at the Mill.

So, whatever your opinion may be on the closure of Boat Harbour, I ask that you be mindful of what your neighbours may be struggling with today.