Some workers in Becancour, Que., who are facing the imminent closure of a nuclear power plant, may soon find new jobs. Plans have been announced for the construction of a $1.2-billion nitrogen fertilizer plant.
The news comes shortly after the new Parti Quebecois government kept its promise to close the Gentilly-2 nuclear plant, which employs more than 700 workers. The Marois government will spend $5 million on a pre-feasibility study for the fertilizer plant and Quebec is then expected to invest in the construction. The new plant is projected to generate 500 construction jobs and 200 long-term jobs. Its construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 and production of fertilizer is targeted for 2017. The plant will be operated by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative and a Quebec co-operative.
