While the BC Interior timber harvest in 2024 has been trending upwards, current levels are just too low and costs are too high to continue operating these northern interior mills. The BC government is focused on the immediate response to workers and communities, but it needs to be thinking about where this “foundational industry” is heading. …Since the NDP came to power in 2017, some 30 sawmills have been impacted, representing an estimated reduction of 35% of BC’s sawmilling capacity. …As big of an impact that Canfor’s announcement represents, it is actually just the canary in the coal mine. …In addition [to cost and fibre troubles] Canfor said punitive US tariffs “are expected to double again next year.” …BC can’t negotiate an international trade agreement by itself, but it can certainly change course on the regulatory and cost fronts.  …If the BC forest sector’s resiliency is not improved by this time next year and  duties indeed double, the likely impact will make Canfor’s closures look like a minor issue.