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Mill closure is 'devastating news' for the residents of the South Cariboo says BC Conservative Forestry Critic Ward Stamer


BC Conservative Kamloops North Thompson MLA, and BC Forests Critic, Ward Stamer says:

West Fraser Timber has announced it is closing its Cariboo mill stating the “100 Mile House lumber mill is no longer able to reliably access an adequate volume of economically viable timber"

This is devastating news for the residents of the South Cariboo, and just one more example of the NDP government's gross neglect. Over a year ago alarm bells were ringing as BC’s Forest industry made clear the need for changes in permitting and regulation costs, and as West Fraser indicated in it’s announcement of the upcoming mill closure, the need for access to a consistent supply of fibre.

The lack of fibre, coupled with the highest costs in North America, along with increased tariffs from the US, will see mills continue to close across the province.

BC’s forest industry, once the source of pride, now sees an ever-increasing number of hard-working British Columbians being put out of work, and the very fabric of rural communities weakened.

CLICK HERE for the news story

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