Many B.C. residents are concerned about lumber mills shutting down due to U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber and rising costs.
The effects of tariffs on softwood lumber are causing many workers to lose their jobs and mills to shut down. The Skeena Sawmill in Terrace shut down in 2023 due to financial difficulties, and the Canfor sawmill in Houston shut down in 2024 due to a fibre supply shortage.
Member of Parliament for Skeena–Bulkley Valley Ellis Ross brought his constituents’ concerns to Parliament in Ottawa. With the closure of the Houston and Terrace mills, many of Ross’s constituents are feeling the impact, he said.
“Several mills across B.C. have been forced to shut down, putting hundreds of my constituents out of work in an already weak economy. How many more B.C. lumber workers will lose their jobs because of the prime minister’s failures.”
One of the concerns from B.C. lumber workers is the effect of tariffs on the industry. Ross called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to stand up for lumber workers.
“Softwood lumber tariffs have doubled since Mark Carney took office, putting our people and communities at risk. When will the prime minister stand up for our forestry mills and for the communities and families who depend on these jobs,” Ross said.
