Canfor Cuts Underscore Need to Diversify

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. - The announcement by Canfor  yesterday that 300 people will be on indefinite layoff  from mills in  Prince George and Mackenzie  gives more weight to the  region’s need to diversify says Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley.  “We have to assist wherever we can to make the transportation corridor successful, we have to diversify our products and our customers.”

The current forest industry woes are the result of the crash in the U.S. combined with the strength of our dollar against the American buck.  “That proves we must grow our business in China, India and Korea” says Kinsley.

The Mayor realizes there is a potential to lose skilled labour as workers are not likely to stick around waiting for the mill to call them back to the job. “I know CN is still looking for employees, they are no where near where they want to be, but losing workers is a real possibility.”

There is more than a 10 month supply of homes on the U.S, market ever since the sub prime mortgage market crashed, and lenders foreclosed. The chances the construction business south of the 49^th will rebound soon are slim.  Some who can afford to get into the house buying market are said to be holding off, waiting for the market to hit bottom before they jump in to pick up a home at bargain basement prices.

Canfor will be  cutting a third shift from its  Rustad, Polar,  Clear Lake and Mackenzie mills.  The indefinite layoffs will take effect on the  day of the already scheduled extended Christmas  shut downs.

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