The looming closure of a lumber mill in central BC is highlighting the forestry industry's challenges in accessing an economically viable timber supply — with one academic urging an "emergency response" to deal with it. West Fraser Timber Co. announced it would shut its mill in 100 Mile House by the end of the year, saying it couldn't reliably access enough economically viable timber either locally or further afield. Its closure will put more than 165 people out of work as a result. BC's forestry industry has taken major hits over the last few years, as escalating U.S. duties on softwood lumber imports have piled atop challenges like a major beetle infestation and wildfires, leading to thousands of jobs lost ... CLICK HERE for the full story
A discussion on political, economic and social issues in British Columbia, and Canada