By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The recent news that Cobourg’s Post plant will close at year’s end, killing 150 jobs, was the impetus for the Save the Jobs Task Force established at this week’s council meeting.
The idea, as set out in the motion, is “exploring all available solutions, including the identification of new operators or alternative manufacturing opportunities.”
Mayor Lucas Cleveland noted that the Post lease is up in December.
“We need to move quickly and hit the ground running,” he said.
In addition to Cleveland, members of the task force will include Cobourg Manager of Economic Development Daniel Van Kamp, Northumberland Investment Attraction Officer Thomas Flynn, Northam Industrial Park Property Manager Sandra Arthur, Northumberland Manufacturers Association Managing Director Darla Price and a representative of Post Holdings Inc.
“Should one other councillor be there?” Councillor Randy Barber asked.
“It’s something that might benefit from another councillor hearing what’s going on I would serve on it, should you feel it’s necessary to have one more.”
Councillor Miriam Mutton suggested a DBIA member would be another good addition.
“I think it’s a great idea – the more, the merrier,” Cleveland said.
“This is devastating news to our community, and we feel for the people who will be impacted by the end of the year,” Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty said.
Cleveland said he was modelling this effort on the actions of Mayor Peter Delanty when the Kraft plant was lost.
“This is about making sure those employees are aware this is a priority,” he said
