Politicians across Moose Jaw have spoken of their concern for the 200 employees of XL Beef who have lost their jobs.
Deb Higgins, deputy leader of the Saskatchewan NDP and MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow, said she was surprised to hear the announcement from XL Foods on Friday about the permanent closure of the plant.
XL Beef is in her constituency and she said she has always kept in close contact with the employees on the picket line. About 140 men and women have been picketing since they were locked out in September 2009.
She said the closure of XL Beef does not just impact on the employees but the whole city and the province.
“It’s a huge disappointment. This is a pretty long standing plant in Moose Jaw.”
She said the closure will be felt by producers who will have to deliver their cattle out of the province.
“It’s the only beef slaughter plant in the province of this scale.
“It’s going to be felt by producers around the province,” she said.
Higgins said she hoped the provincial government will look to support processing in the province.
Moose Jaw North Saskatchewan Party MLA Warren Michelson said he hopes another beef processing plant will move into Moose Jaw.
Read more in a future Times-Herald edition.
Geri Currie we were never on strike . We were layed off and then the company locked us out. So until you know what you are talking about get the facts or shutup.