The Current

N.L's Burin Peninsula workers face hardship as jobs evaporate

Jobs in the Burin Peninsula are drying up and forcing workers in the region to rethink their futures. This unprecedented fiscal situation has seen the number of employed drop from over a thousand to five. We hear how workers are surviving this situation.
Travis Hann with his wife Crystal and three-year-old Camden, in their home in Spanish Room, NL. Currrently Travis is unemployed but is a journeyman pipefitter by trade. (Elizabeth Hoath/CBC)

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Jobs in the Burin Peninsula are drying up and forcing workers in the region to rethink their futures.

This unprecedented fiscal situation has seen the number of employed jump from over a thousand to five.

On the road traveling on highway 210 through the Burin Peninsula. (Elizabeth Hoath/CBC)

The prices of oil and iron ore have plummeted, the province's royalty payments are less than a quarter of what they were, well-paying jobs are evaporating — an expected 24-thousand in the next five years. And even thought there is a trilogy of big projects still using skilled workers, they're finite and people are worried.

Anna Maria met with people and their families in the Burin Peninsula to hear how they are surviving, both financially and emotionally.

Randall Prior opened his Spanish Manor b&b with his wife 12 years ago and plan on running it for a long time. (Elizabeth Hoath/CBC)

Only about five per cent of Newfoundland's workforce moved to Alberta when hard times were evident but the connection to the western province is everywhere. Colleen Spencer left Alberta to open up a gift shop in Marystown. 

Colleen Spencer at her gift shop in the Marystown mall. (Elizabeth Hoath/CBC)
We got out at the beginning of the end, Alberta is really struck now.  But we came here and the beginning is starting.- Colleen Spencer owns a gift shop in Marystown

Colleen Spencer left Alberta to open up a gift shop in Marystown. Her shop is full of enticing jewellery, glassware, frames and gifts for every occasion, but she's the first to point out her business is not a necessity and often takes a hit when merchandise doesn't sell.

Rick Farrell is the president of Local 20 Unifor Marine workers Federation. (Elizabeth Hoath/CBC)

This segment was produced by The Current's Liz Hoath and Kathleen Goldhar.