A big blow to the forest industry in Northern B.C.
Canfor Corporation announced today (Wednesday) that it is closing its sawmills in both Vanderhoof and Fort St John by the end of this year.
These closures will impact close to 500 employees (about 260 in Vanderhoof and 220 in Fort St John) and will remove 670 million board feet of annual production capacity from its BC operations.
Canfor says they made the decision for reasons that include weak lumber markets, and financial losses.
The news release from the company can be found here.
The B.C. Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston released the following statement following Canfor’s decision to close the Plateau sawmill in Vanderhoof and the Fort St. John sawmill, as well as to curtail operations in the southern United States:
“Right now, our number 1 thought is how we can support the workers, families and communities impacted by Canfor’s decision.
“We will be there to support workers and communities, while we continue to take action to create the opportunities that are needed in the forestry sector.
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.”
Today, Canfor announced the closure of the Fort St. John Sawmill by the end of 2024.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this announcement from Canfor. This news is a significant hit to our community and the families directly affected,” said Mayor Lilia Hansen. pic.twitter.com/4yV981Psap
— City of Fort St. John (@fortstjohn) September 4, 2024
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