By Adam Berls

forestry

‘Decimated’: Reaction to more Canfor sawmill closures in Northern B.C.

Sep 5, 2024 | 1:45 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Another massive hit to the forestry industry on late Wednesday afternoon, as Canfor announced that two sawmills would be closed in Northern B.C. One in Fort St. John and the other in Vanderhoof, which will affect approximately 500 employees. 260 employees at the Plateau sawmill in Vanderhoof will be impacted

Decimated was the one word that Brian O’Rourke used to describe the forestry industry in Northern B.C. after Wednesday’s announcement by Canfor announcing the closure of the Plateau sawmill in Vanderhoof and another sawmill in Fort St. John. O’Rourke is the president of the United Steelworkers Local 1-2017, the union representing the workers affected by the closures.

The community of Vanderhoof will be heavily impacted by the closure of Plateau, which is set to take place by the end of 2024. Mayor Kevin Moutray says that the district has an industrial tax reserve that is “a little bit of a cushion to soften the taxation blow of losing a major taxpayer such as this.” Moutray says that the District of Vanderhoof will be reaching out to those set to lose their jobs and help people transition.

Brian O’Rourke says that even with the closure Canfor should not be able to keep their timber rights to the land in the area and the trees that sit on it.

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“When these companies make a decision to shut down mills, that’s their prerogative. They should not be able to keep the timber rights, to be able to log, sell their logs or trade them or whatever the hell they’re doing with them. They are not their logs.” – Brian O’Rourke, President, United Steelworkers Local 1-2017

In their written statement, Canfor said that they will “explore opportunities to divest some of their northern BC tenure to help support other BC forest companies.”

Image Credit: Canfor Corp.

The Mayor of Vanderhoof says that forestry will always be a part of the community.

“Forestry will always be a significant part of the Vanderhoof economy, but that’s going to fluctuate over the years and it’s going to have to be right sized.” – Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray

Bruce Ralston, B.C. Minister of Forests released a statement in reaction to closure announcements and said “our number one thought is how we can support the workers, families and communities impacted by Canfor’s decision.”

Ralston also said that “the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to increase punishing softwood lumber duties, on top of low prices for lumber, is hurting forestry communities. We will continue to fight unfair duties and stand up for forestry workers.”

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

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com