The provincial government is indicating support to Ear Falls following the closure of Interfor’s sawmill.
The company’s decision last week impacted 160 employees.
The government’s Associate Minister of Forestry says he’s disappointed by Interfor’s decision.
Kevin Holland says they have since spoken to the company and Mayor Kevin Kahoot.
“Immediately following the announcement of the shutdown of the mill, the Premier and I reached out to company officials and Mayor Kahoot, offering support for the workers and the community”.
Holland did not elaborate on the specifics of the support offered.
He did say that Ontario’s forest workers are impacted by the weak markets and the implementation of U.S. tariffs and duties.
The U.S. government last week increased duties on Canadian softwood lumber from 10% to 45%.
Hollard says while the province is working to protect the forest industry, it also needs federal assistance.
“We need Ottawa to work with us to deliver real solutions by addressing the issues causing turmoil in our forestry sector and engaging in real negotiations with the U.S. president,” says Hollard.
Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Lise Vaugoios says the province needs a strategy to modernize and strengthen its forest sector.
“Forestry is integrated, and when one part collapses, the whole industry is at risk,” says Vaugeois.
“We knew sawmills were in trouble when the pulp mill in Terrace Bay shut down. We have the best lumber and best pulp in the world, produced by skilled workers. Their jobs must be saved.”
Holland notes that the government has invested over $150 million to modernize mills, lower costs, and help operations stay competitive.
“Through programs like the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program and the Forest Biomass Program. We’re helping companies upgrade equipment, expand markets and find new uses for mill byproducts, turning unused wood into economic opportunity,” says Holland.
