Edmonton

Aurora Cannabis lays off 30 staff, 'indefinitely' pauses operations at Alta. facility

Aurora Cannabis Inc. says it is indefinitely pausing operations at one of its Alberta facilities and laying off a few dozen staff.

Edmonton-based company incurred $3.3 billion in losses in 2020 fiscal year

The pause in operations is part of a review the company is conducting to deal with ongoing profitability issues. (Travis McEwan/CBC)

Aurora Cannabis Inc. says it is indefinitely pausing operations at one of its Alberta facilities and laying off a few dozen staff.

The Edmonton-based cannabis company said the pause will occur at its Aurora Sun property in Medicine Hat, where it will lay off about 30 workers.

Aurora spokeswoman Michelle Lefler said the moves are expected to be complete around Dec. 18.

Lefler said the measures are part of a review the company is conducting to ensure all of its operations are a fit for its current and future business and to help the company adjust to recent shifts in the industry.

Aurora's shares gained 11 per cent to $15.25 in Monday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

In June, the company laid off 700 workers and announced plans to cease operations at five facilities in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta and Quebec.

It also said it planned to consolidate production and manufacturing at four facilities in Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia.

The company incurred $3.3 billion in losses in its 2020 fiscal year, including $1.86 billion in its latest quarter.