Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond has issued the following statement:

"Yesterday, Canfor in Quesnel and West Fraser in Houston announced their mills will close next year. This is difficult news for these communities and families.

"Workers impacted by these closures are concerned about their futures. I want each one of them to know that our government has already engaged with their community leadership to find out what is needed in the coming weeks.

"I have been in touch with the mayors of both communities, and our senior ministry staff are in regular communication with their senior staff. I am also working closely with MLA Coralee Oakes and MLA John Rustad, who are providing on-the-ground leadership for their communities.

"Next week, my ministry will send its Community Adjustment Team to both Quesnel and Houston. This team will help affected employees with employment support services such as job fairs, job matching, skills training and career counselling so they can continue their careers with minimal disruption. The team will also work with all government ministries to make sure workers' families are supported during this difficult period.

"We will build on the work we've already been doing across the region. Residents of Houston and Quesnel can rest assured that in partnership with them, we will enact a plan similar to what we did for Burns Lake - an active and intense response to reduce the impacts of this significant job loss in these communities.

"There are incredible economic opportunities in this province and we are going to do everything we can to work with these communities to help the impacted workers and their families."

Earlier today, a statement on the same topic was issued by Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson. You can read it here: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/10/minister-thomsons-statement-on-mill-closures-in-houston-and-quesnel.html

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799