PRINCE GEORGE, BC — Brink Forest Products announced Thursday that it will shut down its value-added wood products mill operations temporarily, from Dec. 11-Jan. 6, citing American duties, provincial policies and a shortage of economic fibre. The three-week layoff will affect 75 employees in Prince George, Vanderhoof and Houston. “Six months ago we had to curtail our operations when the 45% duty became a reality. We had to go from trying to fully operate in Prince George and Vanderhoof and reduce it to about 25%,” said John Brink. “Now it’s virtually impossible, with more mills closing down we don’t have the fibre, so we’ve decided to curtail our operations for about three weeks.” 90% of the finger-joint lumber the company produces is shipped to the US. …Brink wonders why the government is focusing on trade missions to Asia to diversify exports of wood products when it should be offering more access to timber to stimulate secondary producers.