ATLANTIC

Pending closure of Halifax bakery a surprise to provincial government: premier

The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, March 24, 2015 4:37PM ADT Last Updated Tuesday, March 24, 2015 4:41PM ADT

The Labour Department is looking at potential ways it can help the more than 100 workers who will be laid off as a result of the move.

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HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says the government got no advance warning of the pending closure of a bakery in Halifax with the loss of more than 100 jobs.

He says it appears Canada Bread Co. Ltd. made a business decision to consolidate its Ben's bakery operations at two locations in New Brunswick by November.

McNeil says to his knowledge, the company didn't approach the province looking for financial help.

The Labour Department is looking at potential ways it can help the more than 100 workers who will be laid off as a result of the move.

The company said Monday that most of its production will be consolidated at bakeries in Moncton and Woodstock, with 35 jobs being created.

New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant initially said he wasn't aware of any financial incentives for the move, but a spokesman for his office later said the company received a three-year, $240,000 payroll rebate through Invest New Brunswick..