Unifor calls for pause on N.B. power changes that threaten industrial jobs

FREDERICTON, NB, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Changes to how NB Power prices electricity were imposed without consulting the workers and communities with the most to lose, putting industrial jobs at risk, warns Unifor in a letter to Energy Minister René Legacy.

"Decisions that could shut down production and cost workers their jobs were made without hearing from the people affected. That's unacceptable," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Workers and their communities deserve a real say before the rules change, not after. Pause this now, do the review properly, and build a plan that's fair to everyone."

The union is asking the province to suspend the changes until the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) can take a second look.

In April, the EUB allowed NB Power to sell its surplus power outside the province, including to U.S. buyers, at market prices. That has cut the supply of lower-cost "interruptible" power for large industrial employers in New Brunswick and pushed up its price.

Minister Legacy told the legislature this week that the province will wait for the EUB to finish its review before acting, a process that could take weeks or months. Unifor says workers can't afford to wait.

"Behind every one of these workplaces are workers paying mortgages, raising kids and keeping small towns going," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. "These are good-paying jobs, and when they disappear, they don't come back. Every week this drags on puts more of them in jeopardy. Minister Legacy needs to sit down with us now and act."

Unifor has requested an urgent meeting with the minister and supports a comprehensive review of electricity pricing for industrial customers.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For media inquiries please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at [email protected] or 778-903-6549 (cell).