Hundreds in Fort Nelson Look for Answers

Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:35 PM

Workers, residents and stakeholders fill gymnasium to hear about their community’s future (photo Opinion 250 staff)

Fort Nelson, B.C. – The ball is now in Canfor’s court. The gymnasium at the Fort Nelson Secondary School was filled as residents, workers and stake holders gathered to hear what the Provincial and Federal governments’ and representatives from Canfor had to say about the future of their community.

It was the first public meeting since Canfor announced on January 17th that it would close the Tackama plywood plant and the Polarboard OSB plant.

The closures would put 435 Canfor employees on the unemployment line a further 170 contractors and sub contractors looking for work. The impact is a tidal wave that would hit 22% of Fort Nelson’s working population.

Heading into the session, there was an air of cautious optimism. Residents and workers hopeful Minister of Forests and Range, Rich Coleman would bring some news worth waiting for.

He didn’t disappoint.

(at right, Minister of Forest and Range, Rich Coleman and Minister of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources prepare to talk with residents of Fort Nelson, photo opinion250 staff)

He says the Province will change the point of appraisal to Ft. St. John a move that would save about $1.5 million dollars for Canfor. Coleman cannot commit to tying the logs to the mills in Ft. Nelson even though Steelworkers Union 2nd Vice President Rod Park said it would be of no benefit to Ft. Nelson workers if the logs were shipped to Ft. St. John and processed there.

Coleman disagrees "I think I have to get the message out on Monday that we are changing the point of appraisal. I was told by some in the company that if the Province did that, they would be willing to get back to work, but in talking to the CEO I didn’t get any warm and fuzzy feeling." Coleman says the Province is also willing to make changes to the BCTS, and Canfor’s cutting permits. Those changes include a request to include an 8” minimum diameter for peeler logs with no waste billing.

Coleman’s news was not something the Provincial Government had developed on its own.

The United Steelworkers held round table discussions with workers, the employer, local business and stakeholders.

The Steelworkers had an agreement that would save dollars, as the workers agreed to a 10% pay cut, which would be reviewed in several months to see if the plywood market had improved.

( at left, Steelworkers President of local 1-424 Frank Everitt, Minister of Forest, Rich Coleman, and United Steelworkers 2nd VP Rod Park chat photo opinion 250 staff)

"I know the Steelworkers have been doing their part, we’re doing what we can, and now it’s up to Canfor." said Coleman.

There are also concerns about the future of the railway. CN will soon be into it’s five year review of service to Fort Nelson. Mayor Chris Morey says it is important that Fort Nelson maintain it’s rail line if it is to assert its position as a service centre for the forestry and petroleum industry. On the positive side, Mayor Morey talked about a recent study which indicated the potential of 5,000 natural gas drillings planned for the net decade. Still, she, and Minister of Energy Mines and Petroleum, Richard Neufeld say they will start talks soon with CN.

Coleman also says he has serious concerns about the amount of waste in the woods. He says he will not leave the waste sit, “If companies don’t move on the opportunity to use the waste now, I will introduce legislation to give that waste to some other company to use the waste for bio energy.”

Prince George Peace River MP Jay Hill says the Federal government will provide whatever assistance is needed “The saying is that misery loves company, but in the end you are still miserable. McBride lost a mill about a year ago, Mackenzie has lost mills as has Chetwynd, you are not alone, and there are communities right across the country going through the same thing, so we are hoping to offer whatever assistance is possible to reduce the pain of these cuts.”.”

That assistance includes funding for bridging to help those workers who are close to retirement and education, relocation and retraining for others.

Now, the union, the workers, the residents of Fort Nelson wait to see what Canfor’s decision will be and although there is no indication of when the CEO may announce the saving of the Tackama plant, the local manager, Jack Stevenson says he expects loggers to be back at work this week.

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Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:35 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Oldtimer on February 17 2008 3:05 PM

I think its great that the federal and provincial governments, the company and the steelworkers union are trying to get something done for residents and workers in Ft Nelson. I sicerely hope that it will work to change Canfor's mind.I wish the same could have been done for Mackenzie and their mills. Why isn't Frank Everitt doing the same for his union brothers in Mackenzie? I think its horrible leaving every one hanging....

Posted by: Harbinger on February 17 2008 7:42 PM

I thought the answer was that it is blowing in the wind. Thanks Mr. Dylan. But seriously folks, the whole world is changing and not one incident is to blame. It is everything affecting every country trying to raise their standard of living make their economies boom. More money, freedom to buy and sell, moving money around, and mostly involving other economies outside our own. Canfor has to look after itself. Like a gas company, it aint a charity. Everyone involved is going to have to adapt, change, lower their expectations or last but likely move on to something else. One door closes, another door opens. Good luck to these people.

Posted by: doneright on February 18 2008 1:23 AM

Funny if the NDP was in power it would be their entire fault. That was all the media reported the last time we went down this road.
(But seriously folks, the whole world is changing and not one incident is to blame.)
Give me a break there is always lots of money to fight wars and lot of sons and daughters to go. But when we need help its not there.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 18 2008 8:41 AM

"Coleman cannot commit to tying to tying the logs to the mills in Fort Nelson".
That statement says it all,and it scares the hell out of a lot of people.
(who changed that rule?)
There was a time when forest companies had to mill it where they cut it,and while we are told that may no longer be economically feasable in some cases,it is also the death knell for many smaller communities when they start hauling the wood out of town.
And they will.
Nothing is as it seems, and beware government lackies like Coleman offering gifts and solutions.
It's all about money,and in the end,Canfor is more important to Campbell and the Liberals than Fort Nelson, and don't doubt that for one second.
(what the government doesn't seem to realize or care about,is that people of the north will be more likely to actually leave B.C. for another province, rather than move to the lower mainland)
Goodbye more tax dollars and votes.
It did not have to be this way, and it was mismanagement by the government/forest ministry that started us on this road in the first place.
Once again they forgot to listen to those who actually know.
Now,we have to deal with a strong canadian dollar and a decimated U.S.housing market, on top of bad provincial policy and long term apathy by the government,
It is going to be ugly, and the only line of defense we have is to get very,very, loud.

Posted by: northman on February 18 2008 10:26 AM

Ohh its coming Andyfreeze..Anymore restrictons on work and economy in bc by our governement and special interest groups and the laws they derive. Business and investments are starting to look pretty good out of B.C because you dont have to cut so much red tape. And you couldnt pay me enough to live in the lower mainland rat race!

Posted by: vulcan on February 18 2008 3:02 PM

Why would the steel workers union fight for the abitibibowater mills in Mackenzie the company is US owned and so is the Union, so why would they want to put there bothers and sisters out of work across the boarder, I think there has been some backroom dealings going on between Abibitibowater and USW. Because the membership is certainly not kept informed of what is going on, the union likes to collect the dues, but does not like to stand behind there members, at least in Mackenzie, and there are alot of USW members in Mackenzie that feel the same as I do.

Posted by: gino on February 18 2008 9:43 PM

Reality check.
The Tackama plant is technically outdated, labour intensive, can't get rail cars when they need them because of BC Rails inefficiencies and many of the long term employees felt the company owed them a living just because they lived so far north, took advantage of the system, and refused to support the operation when it really needed them. Their efforts were minimal to say the least and were an insult to those who worked hard day in and day out trying to make the operation a profitable business. Thats all that Canfor asked for to keep the doors open, and now it's all their fault. I'm afraid not. If in fact Canfor does opt for a second chance, performance and individual support will be paramount, and those who tried hard in the past will need to band together and force the dead-weight, non-performers out of there. There will not be a third chance. "Been There. Seen That"