Another blow to our forest economy.
Are recent events such as this closure the beginning of the end of the wood business for B.C.?
metalman.

That is really sad news. My heart goes out to those 188 people without a job. You know we often grumble, whine and complain about our jobs, but today I am thankful I have one.

"our roots are in the community"

Gota love the other canfor slogan on the lumber wrap "Its True"

Time for our government to step up and pay attention to what's happening here in northern B.C.and other parts of the province as well.
In case they haven't noticed,we don't all live on the lower mainland!
While they may not be able to fix the problems with the high dollar,lousy lumber prices,lack of demand,and the Pine Bettle issues,they CAN provide the TOOLS to help people get back on track.
They knew this was coming, and it will get much worse before it ever gets better!
Re-training programs,fast tracking unemployment benefits,funds for new projects that are not mired in redtape and take forever,as well as relocation assistance to those that have to make a major move to find work etc.
Fast tracking of mining permits wherever possible is also something else that needs to be looked at.
It really doesn't have to take as long as it does!
We are going to need the jobs and sooner than later!
There ARE lots of things our so called "leaders" can do to help people.
One of the most important things that can be done, is the government needs to get out there and get some sort of dialogue going with people in these communities that are losing their livelihoods.
So far,they seem to have inserted their overpaid collective heads in there asses and are pretending this isn't happening!
Well it is happening,and it is unlike anything we have had to deal with in many years,if ever,so where the hell are they??

I was so mournful this morning when I heard the announcement on CBC. I know several folks who work in the mill.

I agree with previous posts - we need to call for government to be accountable. The 12 million dollar cut made from the program will not be enough to cover the costs to these families.

I don't think, however, we need anymore quick fixes - we need sustainable approaches to development, resource extraction and we need to keep more of the processing of these resources in the North.

We need to stop giving without thinking. We need to ask ourselves about what it means for our communities and families here in the North before we agree to the bottom line.

I agree, Concerned, that quick fixes alone are not the answer. We have to think long term, but something has to be done NOW to help those families that are going to be devistated by this closure.

Bang on Raparee and concernedcitizen!
We do need to think long term, in areas such as mining,value-added wood products etc.etc.
People who are losing their jobs need some job counciling as well,to help them find other work or retraining.
Many of them don't even know where to start!
Some of these people have been doing the same jobs in these mills for years and don't have any idea where or how to look for work, or how to put a resume togther.
That's where government programs can help,to make people feel worthwhile and still viable in the job market/workplace.
and someone has to show them how to access these programs in order for that to happen.
But first the government itself has to get involved and fast track this stuff!
They need to cut through the redtape and beauacracy and start to make things happen!
And that would be NOW!!