Iron Ore goes bust in Labrador West, once booming in production

The fall in demand for Iron Ore is turning life upside down in the part of Labrador they once called "Mini Fort Mac". Today we head to Labrador West, Canada's capital of Iron Ore, where they know a thing or two about booms and busts... but say they've never seen one like this before.

"If one guy tells you that business is great and they make money, please send him to me to show me how ... because everybody now is in a bad way."Roger Enault, hotel owner in Wabush, Labrador

A sudden and dire economic bust is happening in Labrador West. It's an area that includes Labrador City and the town of Wabush.

And up until recently, it was booming. In fact its nickname was Mini Fort McMurray... or "the Iron Ore Capital of Canada."

Iron Ore is a principal ingredient in making steel. But with China's economy slowing down, some resource economies are taking a hit.... and the hit comes especially hard in single industry towns, like those in Labrador West.

CBC reporter Terry Roberts took a trip up to Lab West. And he joined Anthony Germain in our St. John's studio.

Have thoughts you want to share with us? Are you in Labrador West and have thoughts you want to add to this discussion?

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This segment was produced by Halifax Network Producer Mary Lynk.