HIRINGS
1. Thanks to a favorable environment for aluminum processing in Quebec, the auto parts manufacturer Raufoss Canada chose to launch a $49M modernization project at its plant in Boisbriand, rather than at one of its 13 plants worldwide. The result: 60 new jobs by 2020.
2. North Bay can rejoice in the success of the Ontario Northland company established in the area. The railway maintenance company has been awarded a contract to refurbish Rocky Mountaineer luxury passenger rail cars, which will create up to 80 new local jobs.
3. StarTech, the technological parts maker, continues its growth with a third expansion of its London, Ontario facilities. Workspaces, conference rooms, and new coffee for employees. But above all: the creation of 200 new jobs to support this growth.
4. Air Canada will be creating a ‘center of excellence’ for repairing its aircrafts in Manitoba. Three main partners (Hope Aero Propeller & Components, Airbase Services and cargojet) will share the contract with 400 new jobs.
5. Medicago has officially launched its mega pharmaceutical complex project in the Quebec City region by awarding the construction contract to SNC-Lavalin. Once operational, the vaccine production center is expected to create 200 new jobs.
LAYOFFS
1. Bad news in the oil sector. Oil and gas development company ConocoPhillips Canada will lay off 250 to 300 employees by September, following the slowdown of its activities.
2. Is it due to the sector’s sluggish activities? Oil sands operator Nexen Energy chose to close rather than repair its Long Lake facilities, following an explosion that killed two employees. Result: more than 350 workers are now unemployed.
3. Another breakage creating job losses: the Dominion Diamond mine, in Ekati, Northwest Territories, has trouble finding work for 300 of its employees and contractors following a fire at its transformation plant.
4. Having to deal with a struggling potash market, Mosaic has decided to discontinue its services at its most expensive site, the one in Colonsay, Saskatchewan, until next January. Until then, 330 workers have been laid off.
5. Technology does not translate into job creation. In Ottawa, the replacing of several buses with a new light rail service will result in the cutting of 500 to 600 positions at OC Transpo.