Forestry

PORT MELLON, B.C.—The curtailment of operations at Domtar’s Howe Sound pulp and paper mill is more evidence of a deepening forestry sector crisis and demands immediate action from the B.C. and federal government, says Unifor.

“Collapse of the forestry industry in the west, a core pillar of the economy, is just around the corner if governments don’t act now,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

The Honourable David Eby, K.C. 
Premier of British Columbia Office of the Premier 
PO Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt 
Victoria, BC V8W 9E1

Dear Premier Eby:

We write to request urgent action and support for hundreds of forestry workers in Prince George who have learned from Canfor that they will be out of work by the end of this year and for the thousands of forestry workers still at risk.

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.—Canfor’s announcement of plans to close its Northwood pulp mill would eliminate 300 forestry jobs and further hobble the forestry supply chain in B.C. if it is allowed to proceed, says Unifor. 

“B.C.’s forestry sector is teetering on the brink, and with each mill closure we get closer to the complete collapse of the forestry sector in this province,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Forestry workers, their families, and their communities need urgent support from the provincial and federal governments.”

An unprecedented coalition bringing together First Nations, unions and environmental, tourism and wildlife organizations is seeking to lay the foundations for a unifying project that will ensure the future of Quebec’s forests.

The Honourable Wayne Long, MP (Saint John—Kennebecasis)
Secretary of State 
Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions

RE: Opportunities at AV Group NB

Dear Secretary of State Long,

I am writing today to bring to your attention concerns around two forestry mills operating in the province of New Brunswick, employing Unifor members.

OTTAWA—The federal government’s forestry sector task force proposals, released today, provide a clear road map to re-build the sector and create good jobs, says Unifor. The union urges immediate action to implement the recommendations.

Unifor attended Kruger’s press conference in Trois-Rivières on May 11, 2026, for the announcement of a major $333 million investment to launch a new biodegradable nonwoven materials production facility. The project will create 56 new permanent unionized jobs in Mauricie, a region that has been heavily impacted by the slowdown in forestry activities.

Invited to speak during the official announcement, Unifor Quebec Research and Strategic Planning Coordinator Simon Lavigne highlighted the critical role workers play in projects like this.

OTTAWA – The federal government’s spring fiscal update includes a number of important advances including in the area of worker training but presents an overly-optimistic view of Canada’s economic health, as millions of workers face ongoing uncertainty amid U.S. trade tensions, public sector cost-cutting, affordability challenges and global political instability, says Unifor.