Sherritt to temporarily lay off 280 workers as refinery shutdown continues
S•Sherritt will temporarily lay off approximately 280 employees, or 47% of its Canadian workforce, for about 90 days while pursuing a refinery restart. The Fort Saskatchewan refinery stopped refining on June 22, 2026, after feed inventory was depleted.
1. Temporary layoffs
Sherritt will temporarily lay off approximately 280 employees, or 47% of its Canadian workforce, to preserve liquidity while pursuing a refinery restart. The layoffs are expected to last about 90 days, though earlier recalls may be possible depending on operational requirements.
2. Refinery and operations
Refining at Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, stopped on June 22, 2026, when feed inventory was depleted. Fertilizer production and essential maintenance will continue.
3. License requirements
Sherritt suspended direct participation in its Cuban joint ventures on May 7, 2026, following expanded US sanctions, constraining liquidity. It received the first required US emergency license on October 19, 2026; additional licenses are needed to restart Cuban operations and Canadian refining.
