July 15, 2026
Dear Friends,
With heavy hearts, we share the devastating news that Canfor Pulp is permanently closing its Northwood pulp mill in Prince George, British Columbia.
This mill and its members have been an integral part of the community for decades. I have let our Sisters and Brothers know through their Local President that we stand with them and will assist in any way that we can.
This closure announcement will affect about 240 Unifor Local 603 members and the many non-union staff who run this facility on a daily basis. The facility will be off of chips in mid-November and will pursue an orderly shut down and clean up of the plant and its machinery.
Losing a plant of this size in a community like Prince George will have lasting effects on the economy and day to day lives. The trickle down of lost jobs with contractors, truck drivers, machine shops – all the way down to our mom and pop community stores – will be very painful.
Please remember to reach out if you or any of your co-workers are in need of any mental support. There are additional resources through your EFAP provider, PPWC Health and Safety Officer Barry Touzin (healthandsafety@ppwc.ca), and forestry sector members can access the BCFSC Care program listed below.
The BC Forest Safety Council has additional resources for Mental Health Support for Forest Sector Workers. The Connection to Care – Connection to Care Mental Health Program – The BC Forest Safety Council program is available.
This is a free mental health support program for anyone in the forest industry in BC. Call 778-247-2273 and advise them you work in the forest industry, and you can talk with a mental health care professional about the kind of support you may need.
We want to make one thing absolutely clear: the PPWC’s commitment to defending jobs in the forestry sector remains entirely unwavering. It is not just our right, but our fundamental duty as a union to fight for the livelihoods of our members and the survival of our resource-dependent communities.
We will continue to hold both industry employers and the provincial government accountable, advocating fiercely for policies that prioritize local manufacturing and protect sustainable, long-term employment in British Columbia. Together, we will stand strong, support one another, and fight to keep these vital jobs where they belong—right here in our communities.
In Solidarity,
Chuck LeBlanc
National President, Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC)
Mike Scott
PPWC Wage Caucus Spokesperson
Bryan Keep
Wage Caucus Secretary
