Despite the recent closures of two B.C. facilities that resulted in the loss of 500 jobs, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation says that Canopy Growth is still moving “full steam ahead” with its planned facility in St John’s, Vocm reports.

Bernard Davis was questioned by PC Lloyd Parrott during an exchange in Thursday’s Question Period, when Parrott asked if the Minister had discussed the situation with Canopy execs and if cannabis job seekers should remain hopeful given the shuttering of the Aldergrove and Delta facilities, as well as the cancellation of a planned facility in Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake.

“I spoke to the management of Canopy, they assured me that they are full steam ahead with the process that we have a $90 million facility at East White Hills Road,” Davis said, noting that the facility is slated to open sometime this spring. He also said the facility would bring about 140 jobs to the region once it is in operation — in addition to the multiple jobs created when construction broke ground in 2018.

Parrott said he was skeptical of Canopy’s assurances, given the company’s withdrawal from Niagara-on-the-Lake, and asked whether it’s realistic to expect a market for the projected 42,000 kg of flower expected to be produced.

“We’re trying to grow the industry. It’s an export marketplace for Newfoundland and Labrador. Would the member sooner us import the product here and not create the hundreds of jobs in this province?” Davis shot back.

Davis also said that a job fair for the facility would take place this April, and that he looked forward to cutting the ribbon on opening day.