SASKATCHEWAN — Carrier Forest Products has announced it will indefinitely curtail production at its Big River sawmill beginning Oct. 16, 2026, a decision expected to impact approximately 117 employees. The company management said the decision was difficult but necessary given a combination of ongoing challenges facing the forestry sector and the Big River operation specifically. …Despite the indefinite shutdown, the company emphasized it has not determined that the Big River facility will be permanently closed. …Carrier Forest Products cited persistent weak market conditions as a major factor behind the decision. The company also pointed to the recent decline of the Canadian dollar. …In addition, management said the long-term effects of last year’s wildfires have reduced the timber volumes available. …Jeff Bromley, chair of the United Steelworkers Wood Council said that the collective agreement offers the workers some help. “It is certainly devastating, but hopefully it is a temporary curtailment,” Bromley said.