Just a Week To Go Before Canfor Makes Recommendation on NCP

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 04:00 AM

Prince George, B.C. – The clock is ticking for workers at the burned out North Central Plywood. The executives for Canfor have indicated they will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors about the mill's future at the upcoming 2^nd quarter meeting at the end of the month. That means the decision is likely to come down in a week.

PPWC Local 25 President, Jymm Kennedy says the union has done all it can do at this point “It’s pretty much a waiting game now.”

Last week, the local sent a letter to 75 MLAs in the province urging them to pressure Canfor to rebuild the plant. The Union maintains the facility is financially viable. A similar letter was sent to the Canfor Board of Directors earlier this month.

Kennedy says the union hasn’t heard a peep about what might happen. “I’m still optimistic they will rebuild” says Kennedy “NCP was a niche market. I don’t think fibre supply is an issue, our log yard was full and when the fire destroyed the plant, there were plenty of truckers who were pretty upset because they had lots of logs to haul to the yard. So I don’t think there is any shortage of suitable logs.”

More than 200 unionized workers at NCP have been trying to find ways to cope since the May 26^th fire. Kennedy says some have been able to find work ,some have applied for skills upgrading and others are waiting patiently to see what Canfor’s decision will be before they make any moves.

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Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 04:00 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: metalman on July 23 2008 8:04 AM

Let us hope and even pray that Canfor sees the wisdom (?) in rebuilding. Our economy could use the boost, and if they do re-build, it would presumably be even more efficient than the old plant (?) which may mean fewer jobs, but hopefully they are jobs with longevity.
metalman.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on July 23 2008 8:36 AM

Amen to that metalman!

Posted by: newtechguy on July 23 2008 9:03 AM

I agree with metalman also. However, and unfortunately Canfor does not care about our economy, it only cares about it's own economy.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that NCP will be rebuilt. Good luck to all.

Posted by: He speaks on July 23 2008 3:54 PM

newtechguy. Canfor really does not need to inherit the responsibility of the economy of any community. Canfor needs to look after its own economy, and if it so happens to be a benefit to the community, than its a good thing.

There is no way that one can blame Canfor for the fire or the demand for our lumber has gone flat in the States. If anyone believes that Canfor owes you a living, than its time for you to go outside and give your head a good shake.

Posted by: lostfaith on July 23 2008 6:18 PM

We are not talking lumber hespeaks we are talking plywood.
NCP's biggest market was in Canada and was doing just fine at the time of the fire.

Posted by: dogs on July 23 2008 7:19 PM

Did anyone see the article on Forestry today- Canada ranks last in the world on Forestry on return on investment - in fact was negative- while other countries are doing quite well- it described Canada and BC forestry as a train wreck- Why would they re-build- with all the negative reports out their why would anyone invest in BC Forestry?

Posted by: lost it all on July 23 2008 8:07 PM

Let me think dogs, hmmm I wonder if 15% tariff has anything to do with return on investment.

Posted by: snowville on July 23 2008 8:39 PM

If canfor doesn't want the plywood planet why don't they rebuilt and keep the jobs for the workers and sell it to another investor.

Posted by: mythoughts on July 23 2008 9:11 PM

Because no one would buy it snowville. Canfor has tried to sell it in the past with no luck. The demand for plywood is dropping and so is the price.