Workers ‘reeling’ after latest B.C. mill closure cuts 300 jobs

Canfor Corp., one of Canada's largest integrated forest products companies, has announced plans to permanently close its Northwood pulp mill near Prince George, British Columbia, leading to the loss of approximately 300 jobs. The closure follows a wind-down process and is expected to take place later this year, according to the Vancouver-based firm. The decision comes amid ongoing struggles within the pulp and paper industry, which has been grappling with global oversupply and declining prices. In a statement, Canfor emphasized that the closure was driven by sustained financial losses due to difficulties in securing wood fibre and increased competition from international producers. These challenges have made it increasingly difficult for the company to maintain profitability at the Northwood site. Canfor has pledged to support affected employees through severance packages and will explore options for redeploying workers to other locations within the company. The firm acknowledged the emotional toll of the decision, stating that it was not a reflection of the dedication or effort of the Northwood workforce. The company’s chief executive, Susan Yurkovich, expressed gratitude for the team’s resilience in navigating tough conditions while trying to sustain operations. British Columbia’s forestry sector has faced mounting pressures in recent years, exacerbated by trade policies and fluctuating commodity prices. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar described the news as heartbreaking for workers, their families, and the broader Prince George community. He confirmed that officials had contacted representatives from Unifor Local 603, the workers' union, as well as local government leaders, to provide support and assistance to those impacted by the closure. Parmar highlighted several key issues contributing to the current crisis, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and duties, which have disrupted traditional export markets for Canadian timber products. Additionally, weak lumber prices have negatively affected sawmill operations, while pulp prices continue to fall sharply. These combined factors have placed considerable strain on the province’s forest industry, prompting calls for urgent action to stabilize and modernize the sector. The Northwood mill closure marks another blow to British Columbia’s forestry economy, which has already seen multiple plant shutdowns in recent years. Industry observers suggest that the situation reflects deeper structural changes in global demand for pulp and paper products, as well as shifts toward digital media reducing reliance on traditional print formats. Canfor’s announcement underscores the growing uncertainty within the forest products industry, particularly in regions heavily dependent on pulp and paper manufacturing. While the company has taken steps to mitigate the impact on its workforce, the long-term implications of such closures remain unclear. With no immediate signs of recovery in the sector, many fear that similar decisions could follow in the coming months. The closure of Northwood is set to begin later this year after a gradual reduction in operations. During this transition period, Canfor will continue to engage with employees and stakeholders to ensure a smooth exit process. Meanwhile, provincial authorities are preparing to deploy resources aimed at assisting displaced workers and supporting affected communities. As the forestry industry faces an uncertain future, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to address the challenges threatening its viability. Efforts to diversify the sector and invest in emerging technologies may play a crucial role in determining whether British Columbia’s forest products industry can adapt to changing economic conditions.