Opening of Harbour Breton's salmon processing plant delayed

About 150 people hoping to be employed at the salmon processing plant in Harbour Breton will have to wait another six months.

The Barry Group had hoped to employ 150 people at the plant by this summer or fall.

But Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Hutchings said scheduling and equipment delivery has delayed the opening. The plant won't open now until February.

In the meantime, the province has approved funding for interim projects. 

But Eric Day, vice-president with the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union, said the minimum wages likely won't be enough.

"I think we (the wages) should be somewhere in the $13 to $14 range to bridge the gap until February," said Day. "I mean, certainly to God that's going to be a big blow to people, you know."