Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement regarding Canfor’s recent decisions to permanently 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.

“The forest sector is a foundational part of our province and we will keep taking action to support good jobs in local communities. Following record wildfires and the end of the mountain pine beetle harvest, we are working to increase access to fibre and support to made-in-B.C. wood manufacturing.

“Through programs such as the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, we are securing hundreds of millions of dollars in private-sector investment into local forestry operations, helping B.C. businesses upgrade to new technologies, develop new processes and create more jobs.

“By bringing First Nations, local communities and the forestry industry together, B.C. is taking action to ensure there is a fibre supply for industry that is sustainable now and for generations to come.”