The closure of Canfor’s Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George, B.C. has dealt a heavy blow to the community, with the union expressing concern over the loss of 300 jobs. Unifor’s Gavin McGarrigle notes the far-reaching impacts this closure could have on the local economy and job market, potentially leading to further job losses in related industries.
In response to the closure, Prince George Mayor Simon Yu remains optimistic about the community’s resilience, hoping that affected workers will be able to find new opportunities within the area. Both union representatives and local leaders are calling for concrete support and solutions from government authorities to aid the struggling forestry sector and its workforce in the immediate future.
The closure of multiple timber operations across British Columbia in recent years, including the Crofton pulp mill, West Fraser sawmill, and a Drax pellet mill, has already had a significant impact on the province’s forest industry. The BC Council of Forest Industries reports a substantial loss of jobs in the sector, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to stabilize the industry and protect employment opportunities in the region.