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COFI urges action after B.C. mill closures

The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) has issued a strong call for government intervention following Canfor’s announcement of additional mill closures in British Columbia.

COFI president and CEO Linda Coady emphasized the severe impact these closures have on workers, families, and communities, highlighting the urgent challenges facing the province’s forest sector.

“Yesterday’s closures underscore the urgent challenges facing British Columbia’s forest sector and the need for immediate government action to address the root causes threatening the future of forestry in B.C.,” Coady said

Coady pointed to several factors exacerbating the situation, including increased U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, weak market conditions, high operating costs, and a complex regulatory environment. She stressed the need for the provincial and federal governments to address these issues, particularly through a resolution to the Canada-U.S. softwood lumber trade dispute and efforts to stabilize the economic fibre supply.

In a statement, COFI said it is also advocating for new agreements with First Nations and innovative forest management practices to support the industry’s resilience and sustainability in the face of ongoing global market challenges.