Brink Forest Products to cut Prince George workforce as industry pressures mount

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The announcement comes amid growing uncertainty in Canada’s softwood lumber industry. Companies exporting wood products to the United States are facing duties and tariffs approaching 50 per cent, adding significant costs to operations that depend heavily on the American market.

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Brink says his company has paid more than $100 million in duties since 2017 and currently faces about $1 million in monthly tariff-related costs.

The company has also been seeking assistance through a federal loan guarantee program aimed at helping forestry businesses manage the financial impact of trade disputes with the United States. The program, administered through the Business Development Corporation of Canada, was expanded late last year to make more companies eligible. Brink says he applied more than a year ago but has yet to receive funding.

The workforce reductions mark another blow to northern B.C.’s resource economy, where mill closures and production curtailments have become increasingly common over the past several years. Communities such as Prince George, Houston and Vanderhoof have all been affected by shrinking timber supplies, difficult market conditions and trade-related challenges.

Despite the latest cuts, Brink maintains his company remains operational. However, the decision to reduce staffing highlights the continuing strain facing forestry operators as they navigate rising costs, uncertain markets and a changing resource landscape.