Photo courtesy province of BC

By Greg Fry

Forestry

Victoria ‘disappointed’ with Canfor cuts

May 10, 2024 | 9:02 AM

VICTORIA — “Disappointed.”

The reaction of BC Forests Minister Bruce Ralston to mass job losses at Canfor’s Polar Sawmill in Bear Lake and at Northwood Pulp in Prince George. The cuts means the loss of 180 jobs at the Polar Sawmill and 220 at Northwood Pulp.

“We are disappointed by the business decision made by Canfor today (Thursday) and the impacts that will be felt by families and communities in northern British Columbia. We will be there to support the workers’ families and communities impacted by this corporate decision.

“Workers shouldn’t bear the brunt of commodity cycles as they have been forced to for years. That’s why our government has been focused on stabilizing the sector.

“We will continue our work with the sector through initiatives such as the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which has led to investments in facilities throughout B.C., and the Forest Enhancement Society of BC supporting the pulp sector by bringing fibre in from the bush.

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“The forest sector is a long-standing and foundational part of our province. We will keep working to ensure it supports workers and communities.”

Canfor has also suspended its reinvestment in its Houston mill. Canfor blames the moves on a lack of fibre and the cumulative effect of policy decisions by the province.

Pattison Media is owned by Jim Pattison Industries, a majority shareholder in Canfor.