B.C. forestry giant Canfor has dealt a major blow to communities in northern B.C. with announcements affecting hundreds of jobs. The company said it is curtailing a production line at its Northwood pulp mill facility in Prince George due to a decline in economic fibre in northern B.C. In a separate statement, Canfor said it is permanently closing its Polar sawmill in Bear Lake and suspending plans to reinvest in its facility in Houston, B.C. Four-hundred existing and 200 anticipated replacement jobs are impacted by the decision. …Jonathan Blacker, who works at Northwood and is president of Unifor Local 603 in Prince George, said the news was a blow to workers. …Blacker says the industry is in “dire straits” due to corporate and government mismanagement. B.C. Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston said he was disappointed by Canfor’s decision, saying the province will be there to support affected workers and communities.
In related coverage:
- Bruce Ralston, Minister: We are disappointed by the business decision made
- Nelson Bennett, BIV: Canfor blames policy changes and regulatory complexity