Linda Coady, President & CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) made the following statement in response to ongoing mill closures and curtailments in BC:
“Escalating closures and curtailments of lumber, pulp and paper mills in BC mean the provincial government needs to move faster to stabilize timber supply. Additional transition measures are needed within the next 60 days to address current challenges in approval and permitting systems, and changing land use policies that are leading to dramatic declines in harvest levels.
Each time a mill closes in BC, there is a substantial direct impact on employees and their families, with further consequences for local communities as well as across supply chains. The loss of high paying jobs, local tax revenue and relocation to new employment opportunities have lasting effects in rural communities. It also creates uncertainty regarding the future of critical forest sector infrastructure and capacity in BC.
more at: https://www.timescolonist.com/resources-agriculture/bc-council-of-forest-industries-commments-on-mill-closures-and-curtailments-8732728