Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement in response to Canfor’s announcement of the closure of its Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George:

“Today’s news that the Canfor Northwood pulp facility will be closing is heartbreaking for the workers, their families, contractors and the entire Prince George community and region.

“I have reached out to Unifor Local 603, the City of Prince George and other community partners to offer my support and commitment to their community and workers. At the same time, staff in the ministries of Forests; Jobs and Economic Growth; and Social Development and Poverty Reduction, will be deploying support to affected workers.

“We will be leaning on our federal government partners, through the recently signed Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, to help support the transition the forestry sector is facing in the Prince George region.

“As noted by Canfor, the closure of this facility is the result of a structural shift in global pulp markets and challenges in fibre supply.

“There is no question that B.C.’s forestry sector is facing immense challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and duties, weak lumber prices affecting sawmill operations, and a steep and continued decline in pulp prices. None of that softens today’s news, but it shows why we must keep pushing to stabilize and transform B.C.’s forestry sector.

“My focus is on the people whose lives have been turned upside down by this news. The people of British Columbia stand with you during this difficult time.”

Quick Facts:

• Targeted support is available for affected workers.
  • The Province offers community transition services to these workers through dedicated cross-government, one-window access.
• The immediate focus is support for workers, including individualized support, retraining opportunities and helping workers pivot to in-demand opportunities.
• Local WorkBC centres provide direct support, connecting with the employer, union and workers to assess needs and provide immediate actions to support workers and the broader community.

Learn More:

• To access WorkBC services, visit:
  https://www.workbc.ca/get-support/workbc-centre-services
• To access forestry sector support services, visit:
  https://www.workbc.ca/employers-industry/funding-programs/forest-sector-supports
• To access Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Canada-B.C. Workforce Tariff Response – Forestry Grant, visit:
  https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/canada-bc-workforce-tariff-response-forestry-grant/