The impact of the CN Rail strike is beginning to show in Saskatchewan.

Nutrien has announced they are preparing to shut down their Rocanville potash mine due to the strike. It’s the company’s largest potash mine.

“It is extremely disappointing that in a year when the agricultural sector has been severely impacted by poor weather and trade disputes, the CN strike will add further hardship to the Canadian agriculture industry,” said Nutrien President and CEO Chuck Magro in a news release.

Workers were informed on Monday morning through notices that the mine will be closed for two weeks beginning on December 2.

“Any further disruption will be harmful to our business, the Canadian economy, and Canada’s competitive position and reputation as a reliable supplier of fertilizer and food,” mentioned Magro.

“However, most concerning is the impact on our hundreds of employees for whom this creates great uncertainty and hardship leading up to the holiday season.”

Around 550 employees are affected by the move heading into the holiday season.

Rocanville is just over 220 kilometres east of Regina.