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Union blasts Canfor closures, calls for government action

The United Steelworkers (USW) union has strongly condemned Canfor’s decision to permanently close its Fort St. John and Plateau sawmills, a move that will cost over 500 jobs, including more than 325 USW members.

“This is another kick in the gut for our members,” said Brian O’Rourke, president of USW Local 1-2017. “When does it stop? When is the B.C. government going to hold these companies accountable?”

O’Rourke criticized the lack of government action, questioning whether Canfor’s timber rights would be revoked if they can’t sustain operations in the affected communities.

“There used to be accountability and a social contract for the forest industry to provide good-paying jobs to these communities in exchange for the right to harvest timber,” he added.

Jeff Bromley, chair of the USW Wood Council, expressed deep concern for the workers and their families. “I can’t imagine what is going through the minds of our members and their families in Vanderhoof and Ft. St. John following the announcement,” Bromley said.

USW District 3 director Scott Lunny called on the B.C. government to develop a clear plan for the future of the forestry industry. “Right now, we don’t know what that vision is, and mills continue to close. Communities are impacted and families are devastated,” Lunny stated.

The union has vowed to hold both Canfor and the government accountable, especially with the upcoming provincial election. “Forest policy and a plan to renew the industry need to be front and centre,” Bromley emphasized. “If the government is going to do nothing more than throw retirement sums at those who are eligible, we’ll have no industry in B.C. in short order. That’s unacceptable.”

Lunny further suggested that if Canfor is unwilling to invest in B.C., the government should find a company that will. “If Canfor wants out of B.C., and it sure looks like it does, then we need to find someone who will provide high-paying, community-supporting jobs for the right to harvest the timber,” Lunny said.