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Honourable Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick
Honourable René Legacy, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Energy
Honourable John Herron, Minister Responsible for Natural Resources
Dear Premier Holt, Minister Legacy, and Minister Herron:
Thank you for meeting with me, and other representatives from Unifor, and for connecting us with the NB Power Energy Review Board. We appreciated the opportunity to discuss the serious impact rising energy costs are having on New Brunswickers, New Brunswick industries and on good-paying jobs held by Unifor members.
Energy affordability is now a critical issue for all New Brunswickers and for industry. Industry, which is critical for the retention of good union jobs. In February, 104 Unifor members at Irving Paper were laid off when Irving shut down half their papermaking capacity, citing unsustainable energy costs. This highlights the direct link between energy policy and employment in this province.
We believe government, labour, and industry must work together on practical solutions that protect and grow good-paying New Brunswick jobs. We are encouraging your government to explore options that support businesses investing in their own green energy generation. Reducing reliance on imported U.S. power can improve energy security, stabilize costs, and help protect jobs— particularly in forestry as we referenced in our July 31, 2025 letter to you.
The Energy Review Board is expected to deliver recommendations in January 2026. We hope these will be acted on quickly, with a clear focus on protecting New Brunswick workers. Other jurisdictions, including Nova Scotia, have taken steps to provide energy relief and job protection, demonstrating what is possible.
Unifor members need governments to respond to current economic pressures with a strong focus on protecting Canadian jobs.
Your government has an opportunity to do just that.
We look forward to continued discussions once the Review Board’s recommendations are released.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Murray
Unifor Atlantic Regional Director
