Salmon farming centre. (Photo: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

Cooke Aquaculture to create jobs with New Brunswick Govt’s support

CANADA
Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 23:40 (GMT + 9)

Cooke Aquaculture expects to create up to 100 new jobs in New Brunswick (NB) over the next five years with support from the government of that Canadian province.

To support the creation of these new jobs, the firm is eligible for an investment of up to CAD 1.9 million (USD 1.5 million) from Opportunities NB, which is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs across New Brunswick.

“It is a tribute to the success of our recent acquisitions that we are able to continue to create new jobs here in New Brunswick,” said Glenn Cooke, company CEO.

The executive stressed that Opportunities NB and the Government of New Brunswick remain outstanding partners, adding that these new employees are needed to help them reach their latest growth targets.

Up to CAD 990,000 (USD 770,748) of this funding comes in the form of payroll rebates, which are performance based and only disbursed to a company once it has created and maintained the jobs for one year and provided proof of salary levels and employment.

In addition, Opportunities NB will invest CAD 810,000 (USD 630,612) in the form of a forgivable loan, and a CAD 100,000 (USD 77,853.3) non-repayable contribution, both of which are to be used towards capital improvements to support continued job growth.

It is estimated that creating up to 100 jobs would contribute CAD 25 million (USD 19.5 million) in payroll over five years and CAD 80 million (USD 62.2 million) toward the province’s GDP over that same period.

For his part, NB Premier Brian Gallant welcomed the initiative and pointed out that the government’s multi-year economic growth plan is focused on investing to help New Brunswick-based businesses to compete in markets around the world.

“Cooke Aquaculture is a great example of how New Brunswick’s workforce and know-how can help businesses grow from right here in New Brunswick,” the premier stated.

The company currently has more than 1,300 employees at various locations in the province. The new jobs are expected to be marine site workers, technicians and managers, logistics experts and truck drivers.

Twenty-five of the new positions will be created at the company’s office in Saint John, while the remaining 75 will be spread across Cooke Aquaculture’s head office in Blacks Harbour, and at operations in St. George and Grand Manan.

 
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

Print