Conservative critic for Forestry, MLA Ward Stamer, is speaking out following the announcement of a full curtailment at Western Forest Products’ Chemainus sawmill, which will put 150 workers out of a job starting June 18 with no set date for reopening.
The company cited a lack of viable log supply, higher U.S. duties, and weaker lumber demand, but Stamer says the blame lies squarely with the Ministry of Forests for poor sector management, permit delays, and broken promises about harvest availability.
“This curtailment isn’t just a business decision, it’s a crisis for dozens of families who are now left in limbo,” said Stamer. “The NDP government promised stability and sustainable harvest levels. Instead, their policies have made it harder to access timber, stalled cutting permits, and driven investment out of our province.”
With forestry towns already struggling, Stamer says the timing of this curtailment couldn’t be worse. He warns that in a period of economic uncertainty, the ripple effect from these job losses will be deeply felt in Chemainus and surrounding communities.
“This isn’t just about one mill. It’s about a government that refuses to listen. At a time when BC needs to be supporting resource jobs and economic growth, the NDP is making things worse. This curtailment is a direct result of failed forest policy, and its forestry families paying the price.”
Stamer is calling for the immediate streamlining of cutting permit approvals, greater transparency around harvest projections, and a serious reset of the province’s forestry strategy before more communities face the same fate.
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