Canfor to Permanently Close Northwood Pulp Mill, 300 Jobs Lost
Canfor, a forestry company based in Vancouver, has announced its decision to permanently shut down its Northwood pulp mill located outside Prince George, B.C. This move will result in the unfortunate loss of 300 jobs.
The company stated its commitment to supporting affected employees by providing severance packages and exploring opportunities to relocate workers to other Canfor facilities. The decision comes as the pulp and paper industry faces significant challenges, including oversupply in the global market leading to downward pressure on prices.
Persistent difficulties in accessing wood fiber, combined with financial losses, have compelled Canfor to make the tough choice of closing the Northwood plant, adding to a series of recent closures in British Columbia’s forest industry.
Upon hearing the news, Prince George Mayor Simon Yu expressed concern about the impact on the local forestry economy and pledged to collaborate with government bodies to assist affected families.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar acknowledged the heartbreaking nature of the announcement and emphasized the need to address challenges faced by the forestry sector, including external factors such as tariffs and declining prices.
Canfor CEO Susan Yurkovich acknowledged the impact on employees, their families, and the communities while praising the team’s efforts at Northwood. The closure is expected to take place later this year following a wind-down process.
Kim Haakstad, CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries, stressed the urgency of stabilizing the forest sector to prevent further negative consequences for workers and communities across the province.
Keyphrase: Canfor closure Prince George